Surgical stapling end effector component with tip having varying bend angle

ABSTRACT

A surgical instrument, operable to compress, staple, and cut tissue, includes a body, a shaft, and an end effector with a pair of jaws. A placement tip that is bent, angled, or curved and extends distally from one of the jaws of the end effector. The placement tip is elastically deformable when the placement tip is subject to a clamping force, such as when the end effector is closed with the jaws in contact or when tissue is clamped between the jaws of the end effector. When the placement tip deflects, relative angles defined in part by the placement tip vary compared to an initial state without the clamping force. Furthermore, a distal end of the placement tip may change position based on the state of deflection of the placement tip in response to the clamping force.

PRIORITY

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-ProvisionalPatent application Ser. No. 15/435,573, filed Feb. 17, 2017, entitled“SURGICAL STAPLER WITH ELASTICALLY DEFORMABLE TIP,” the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

In some settings, endoscopic surgical instruments may be preferred overtraditional open surgical devices since a smaller incision may reducethe post-operative recovery time and complications. Consequently, someendoscopic surgical instruments may be suitable for placement of adistal end effector at a desired surgical site through the cannula of atrocar. These distal end effectors may engage tissue in a number of waysto achieve a diagnostic or therapeutic effect (e.g., endocutter,grasper, cutter, stapler, clip applier, access device, drug/gene therapydelivery device, and energy delivery device using ultrasound, RF, laser,etc.). Endoscopic surgical instruments may include a shaft between theend effector and a handle portion, which is manipulated by theclinician. Such a shaft may enable insertion to a desired depth androtation about the longitudinal axis of the shaft, thereby facilitatingpositioning of the end effector within the patient. Positioning of anend effector may be further facilitated through inclusion of one or morearticulation joints or features, enabling the end effector to beselectively articulated or otherwise deflected relative to thelongitudinal axis of the shaft.

Examples of endoscopic surgical instruments include surgical staplers.Some such staplers are operable to clamp down on layers of tissue, cutthrough the clamped layers of tissue, and drive staples through thelayers of tissue to substantially seal the severed layers of tissuetogether near the severed ends of the tissue layers. Merely exemplarysurgical staplers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,805,823, entitled“Pocket Configuration for Internal Organ Staplers,” issued Feb. 21,1989; U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,334, entitled “Surgical Stapler and StapleCartridge,” issued May 16, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,895, entitled“Surgical Stapler Instrument,” issued Nov. 14, 1995; U.S. Pat. No.5,597,107, entitled “Surgical Stapler Instrument,” issued Jan. 28, 1997;U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,432, entitled “Surgical Instrument,” issued May 27,1997; U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,840, entitled “Surgical Instrument,” issuedOct. 7, 1997; U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,534, entitled “Articulation Assemblyfor Surgical Instruments,” issued Jan. 6, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 5,814,055,entitled “Surgical Clamping Mechanism,” issued Sep. 29, 1998; U.S. Pat.No. 6,978,921, entitled “Surgical Stapling Instrument Incorporating anE-Beam Firing Mechanism,” issued Dec. 27, 2005; U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818,entitled “Surgical Stapling Instrument Having Separate Distinct Closingand Firing Systems,” issued Feb. 21, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 7,143,923,entitled “Surgical Stapling Instrument Having a Firing Lockout for anUnclosed Anvil,” issued Dec. 5, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 7,303,108, entitled“Surgical Stapling Instrument Incorporating a Multi-Stroke FiringMechanism with a Flexible Rack,” issued Dec. 4, 2007; U.S. Pat. No.7,367,485, entitled “Surgical Stapling Instrument Incorporating aMultistroke Firing Mechanism Having a Rotary Transmission,” issued May6, 2008; U.S. Pat. No. 7,380,695, entitled “Surgical Stapling InstrumentHaving a Single Lockout Mechanism for Prevention of Firing,” issued Jun.3, 2008; U.S. Pat. No. 7,380,696, entitled “Articulating SurgicalStapling Instrument Incorporating a Two-Piece E-Beam Firing Mechanism,”issued Jun. 3, 2008; U.S. Pat. No. 7,404,508, entitled “SurgicalStapling and Cutting Device,” issued Jul. 29, 2008; U.S. Pat. No.7,434,715, entitled “Surgical Stapling Instrument Having MultistrokeFiring with Opening Lockout,” issued Oct. 14, 2008; U.S. Pat. No.7,721,930, entitled “Disposable Cartridge with Adhesive for Use with aStapling Device,” issued May 25, 2010; U.S. Pat. No. 8,408,439, entitled“Surgical Stapling Instrument with An Articulatable End Effector,”issued Apr. 2, 2013; and U.S. Pat. No. 8,453,914, entitled “Motor-DrivenSurgical Cutting Instrument with Electric Actuator Directional ControlAssembly,” issued Jun. 4, 2013. The disclosure of each of theabove-cited U.S. Patents and U.S. Patent Publications is incorporated byreference herein.

While the surgical staplers referred to above are described as beingused in endoscopic procedures, it should be understood that suchsurgical staplers may also be used in open procedures and/or othernon-endoscopic procedures. By way of example only, a surgical staplermay be inserted through a thoracotomy and thereby between a patient'sribs to reach one or more organs in a thoracic surgical procedure thatdoes not use a trocar as a conduit for the stapler. Such procedures mayinclude the use of the stapler to sever and close a vessel leading to alung. For instance, the vessels leading to an organ may be severed andclosed by a stapler before removal of the organ from the thoraciccavity. Of course, surgical staplers may be used in various othersettings and procedures.

While various kinds of surgical stapling instruments and associatedcomponents have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior tothe inventor(s) has made or used the invention described in the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention,and, together with the general description of the invention given above,and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve toexplain the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary articulating surgicalstapling instrument;

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an opened end effector of theinstrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A depicts a side cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG.3, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3, with the firing beam in a proximalposition;

FIG. 4B depicts a side cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG.3, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3, with the firing beam in a distalposition;

FIG. 5 depicts an end cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG.3, taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 depicts an exploded perspective view of the end effector of FIG.3;

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 3,positioned at tissue and having been actuated once in the tissue;

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of an alternative version of an endeffector with an angled anvil and an angled cartridge;

FIG. 9 depicts an enlarged, side view of the end effector of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 depicts an enlarged top view of the end effector of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary surgical staplinginstrument having an end effector with a bent or angled elasticallydeformable tip section;

FIG. 12A depicts an enlarged side view of a distal portion of the endeffector of FIG. 11;

FIG. 12B depicts an enlarged side view of a distal portion of analternate end effector similar to that of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 depicts a bottom view of a distal portion of the end effector ofFIG. 11 with the cartridge shown in phantom to reveal an undersidesurface of the anvil;

FIG. 14 depicts a side cross-sectional view of a distal portion of theend effector of FIG. 11, taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 depicts an end cross-sectional view of an anvil the end effectorof FIG. 11, taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 depicts an enlarged side view of a distal portion of analternative version of an end effector, shown in an open position andhaving an upper jaw with a placement tip that forms a first angle with alongitudinal axis of the upper jaw;

FIG. 17 depicts an enlarged side view of the distal portion of the endeffector of FIG. 16, shown in a closed position and having the placementtip forming a second angle with the longitudinal axis of the upper jaw;

FIG. 18 depicts an enlarged side view of a distal portion of analternative version of an end effector, shown in a closed and unloadedposition and having an upper jaw with placement tip that forms a firstangle with a nose portion of a lower jaw;

FIG. 19 depicts an enlarged side view of the distal portion of the endeffector of FIG. 18, shown in a closed and loaded position and havingthe placement tip forming a second angle with the nose portion of thelower jaw;

FIG. 20 depicts an enlarged side view of a distal portion of analternative version of an end effector, shown in a closed position witha distal end of a placement tip of an upper jaw being located relativeto a deck and a distal end of a lower jaw;

FIG. 21 depicts an enlarged side view of a distal portion of analternative version of an end effector, shown in a closed position andwith zones defined by a lower jaw with a distal end of a placement tipof an upper jaw being located in a first zone;

FIG. 22A depicts an enlarged side view of a distal portion of analternative version of an end effector, shown in a closed position andwith a distal end of a placement tip of an upper jaw being located in athird zone as shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 22B depicts an enlarged side view of a distal portion of analternative version of an end effector, shown in a closed position andwith a distal end of a curved placement tip of an upper jaw beinglocated in a third zone as shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 22C depicts an enlarged side view of a distal portion of analternative version of an end effector, shown in a closed position andwith a distal end of a placement tip of an upper jaw being located in afourth zone as shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 22D depicts an enlarged side view of a distal portion of analternative version of an end effector, shown in a closed position andwith a distal end of a curved placement tip of an upper jaw beinglocated in a fifth zone as shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 22E depicts an enlarged side view of a distal portion of analternative version of an end effector, shown in a closed position andwith a distal end of a placement tip of an upper jaw being located in asixth zone as shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 22F depicts an enlarged side view of a distal portion of analternative version of an end effector, shown in a closed position andwith a distal end of a multi-angled placement tip of an upper jaw beinglocated in a sixth zone as shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 22G depicts an enlarged side view of a distal portion of analternative version of an end effector, shown in a closed position andwith a distal end of a placement tip of an upper jaw being located in athird zone as shown in FIG. 21, and the placement tip configured with aprofile of an underside surface that corresponds with a profile of ataper of the nose portion of a lower jaw;

FIG. 23A depicts an enlarged top view of a placement tip of analternative version of an end effector, with the placement tip having adistal end with a round profile;

FIG. 23B depicts an enlarged top view of a placement tip of analternative version of an end effector, with the placement tip having adistal end with an angled and pointed profile;

FIG. 23C depicts an enlarged top view of a placement tip of analternative version of an end effector, with the placement tip having adistal end with a toothed profile;

FIG. 23D depicts an enlarged top view of a placement tip of analternative version of an end effector, with the placement tip having adistal end with a flared profile;

FIG. 23E depicts an enlarged top view of a placement tip of analternative version of an end effector, with the placement tip having adistal end with an orb profile;

FIG. 23F depicts an enlarged top view of a placement tip of analternative version of an end effector, with the placement tip having adistal end with an asymmetric profile;

FIG. 24A depicts an enlarged top view of a placement tip of analternative version of an end effector, with the placement tip having awidth with an angled profile;

FIG. 24B depicts an enlarged top view of a placement tip of analternative version of an end effector, with the placement tip having awidth with a stepped profile;

FIG. 24C depicts an enlarged top view of a placement tip of analternative version of an end effector, with the placement tip having awidth with a asymmetric profile;

FIG. 24D depicts an enlarged top view of a placement tip of analternative version of an end effector, with the placement tip having awidth with a scallop tip-on-center profile;

FIG. 24E depicts an enlarged top view of a placement tip of analternative version of an end effector, with the placement tip having awidth with a bump-out profile;

FIG. 25 depicts an enlarged top view of a placement tip of analternative version of an end effector, with the placement tip having adistal end with an angled and pointed profile and with the placement tiphaving a width with an angled profile;

FIG. 26A depicts an enlarged side view of a distal portion of analternative version of an end effector, with a placement tip of an upperjaw having an underside surface with a flat profile parallel with aprofile of a nose portion of a lower jaw;

FIG. 26B depicts an enlarged side view of a distal portion of analternative version of an end effector, with a placement tip of an upperjaw having an underside surface with a curved profile;

FIG. 26C depicts an enlarged side view of a distal portion of analternative version of an end effector, with a straight placement tip ofan upper jaw having an underside surface with a flat profile;

FIG. 26D depicts an enlarged side view of a distal portion of analternative version of an end effector, with a placement tip of an upperjaw having an underside surface with a multi-angled profile;

FIG. 26E depicts an enlarged side view of a distal portion of analternative version of an end effector, with a placement tip of an upperjaw having an underside surface with a curved member and shown with theplacement tip in dual positions;

FIG. 27A depicts an enlarged side view of a distal portion of analternative version of an end effector, showing a gap between aplacement tip of an upper jaw and a nose portion of a lower jaw; and

FIG. 27B depicts an enlarged side view of a distal portion of analternative version of an end effector, showing a smaller gap between adistal end of a placement tip of an upper jaw and a nose portion of alower jaw compared to the gap of FIG. 27A.

The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it iscontemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be carriedout in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depictedin the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming apart of the specification illustrate several aspects of the presentinvention, and together with the description serve to explain theprinciples of the invention; it being understood, however, that thisinvention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of certain examples of the invention shouldnot be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples,features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the followingdescription, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modescontemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, theinvention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all withoutdeparting from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptionsshould be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

I. Exemplary Surgical Stapler

FIGS. 1-7 depict an exemplary surgical stapling and severing instrument(10) that is sized for insertion, in a nonarticulated state as depictedin FIG. 1, through a trocar cannula to a surgical site in a patient forperforming a surgical procedure. By way of example only, such a trocarmay be inserted in a patient's abdomen, between two of the patient'sribs, or elsewhere. In some settings, instrument (10) is used without atrocar. For instance, instrument (10) may be inserted directly through athoracotomy or other type of incision. Instrument (10) of the presentexample includes a handle portion (20) connected to a shaft (22). Shaft(22) distally terminates in an articulation joint (11), which is furthercoupled with an end effector (12). It should be understood that termssuch as “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to aclinician gripping handle portion (20) of instrument (10). Thus, endeffector (12) is distal with respect to the more proximal handle portion(20). It will be further appreciated that for convenience and clarity,spatial terms such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “upper,” and “lower” areused herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instrumentsare used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are notintended to be limiting and absolute.

In some versions, shaft (22) is constructed in accordance with at leastsome of the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 9,795,379, entitled “SurgicalInstrument with Multi-Diameter Shaft,” issued Oct. 24, 2017, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Other suitableconfigurations for shaft (22) will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

Once articulation joint (11) and end effector (12) are inserted throughthe cannula passageway of a trocar, articulation joint (11) may beremotely articulated, as depicted in phantom in FIG. 1, by anarticulation control (13), such that end effector (12) may be deflectedfrom the longitudinal axis (LA) of shaft (22) at a desired angle (α).End effector (12) may thereby reach behind an organ or approach tissuefrom a desired angle or for other reasons. In some versions,articulation joint (11) enables deflection of end effector (12) along asingle plane. In some other versions, articulation joint (11) enablesdeflection of end effector along more than one plane. Articulation joint(11) and articulation control (13) may be configured in accordance withthe teachings of any of the numerous references that are cited herein.Alternatively, articulation joint (11) and/or articulation control (13)may have any other suitable configuration. By way of example only,articulation control (13) may instead be configured as a knob thatrotates about an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis(LA) of shaft (22).

In some versions, articulation joint (11) and/or articulation control(13) are/is constructed and operable in accordance with at least some ofthe teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 9,186,142, entitled “Surgical InstrumentEnd Effector Articulation Drive with Pinion and Opposing Racks,” issuedNov. 17, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated by referenceherein. Articulation joint (11) may also be constructed and operable inaccordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. No.9,795,379, entitled “Surgical Instrument with Multi-Diameter Shaft,”issued Oct. 24, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein. Other suitable forms that articulation joint (11) andarticulation control (13) may take will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

End effector (12) of the present example includes a lower jaw (16) and apivotable anvil (18). In the present example, anvil (18) can also beconsidered an upper jaw. Furthermore, in some versions like the presentexample, the upper jaw or anvil (18) pivots with respect to a stationarylower jaw (16); however, in some other versions the upper jaw or anvil(18) is stationary while the lower jaw (16) pivots. In some versions,lower jaw (16) is constructed in accordance with at least some of theteachings of U.S. Pat. No. 9,808,248, entitled “Installation Featuresfor Surgical Instrument End Effector Cartridge,” issued Nov. 7, 2017,the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Anvil (18)may be constructed in accordance with at least some of the teachings ofU.S. Pat. No. 9,517,065, entitled “Integrated Tissue Positioning and JawAlignment Features for Surgical Stapler,” issued Dec. 13, 2016, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; at least someof the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 9,839,421, entitled “Jaw ClosureFeature for End Effector of Surgical Instrument,” issued Dec. 12, 2017,the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; and/or atleast some of the teachings of U.S. Pub. No. 2014/0239037, entitled“Staple Forming Features for Surgical Stapling Instrument,” published onAug. 28, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated by referenceherein. Other suitable forms that lower jaw (16) and anvil (18) may takewill be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of theteachings herein.

Handle portion (20) includes a pistol grip (24) and a closure trigger(26). Closure trigger (26) is pivotable toward pistol grip (24) to causeclamping, or closing, of the anvil (18) toward lower jaw (16) of endeffector (12). Such closing of anvil (18) is provided through a closuretube (32) and a closure ring (33), which both longitudinally translaterelative to handle portion (20) in response to pivoting of closuretrigger (26) relative to pistol grip (24). Closure tube (32) extendsalong the length of shaft (22); and closure ring (33) is positioneddistal to articulation joint (11). Articulation joint (11) is operableto communicate/transmit longitudinal movement from closure tube (32) toclosure ring (33).

Handle portion (20) also includes a firing trigger (28). An elongatemember (not shown) longitudinally extends through shaft (22) andcommunicates a longitudinal firing motion from handle portion (20) to afiring beam (14) in response to actuation of firing trigger (28). Thisdistal translation of firing beam (14) causes the stapling and severingof clamped tissue in end effector (12), as will be described in greaterdetail below. Thereafter, triggers (26, 28) may be released to releasethe tissue from end effector (12).

FIGS. 3-6 depict end effector (12) employing an E-beam form of firingbeam (14) to perform a number of functions. It should be understood thatan E-beam form is just a merely illustrative example. Firing beam (14)may take any other suitable form, including but not limited tonon-E-beam forms. As best seen in FIGS. 4A-4B, firing beam (14) includesa transversely oriented upper pin (38), a firing beam cap (44), atransversely oriented middle pin (46), and a distally presented cuttingedge (48). Upper pin (38) is positioned and translatable within alongitudinal anvil slot (42) of anvil (18). Firing beam cap (44)slidably engages a lower surface of lower jaw (16) by having firing beam(14) extend through lower jaw slot (45) (shown in FIG. 4B) that isformed through lower jaw (16). Middle pin (46) slidingly engages a topsurface of lower jaw (16), cooperating with firing beam cap (44).Thereby, firing beam (14) affirmatively spaces end effector (12) duringfiring.

Some non-E-beam forms of firing beam (14) may lack upper pin (38),middle pin (46) and/or firing beam cap (44). Some such versions ofinstrument (10) may simply rely on closure ring (33) or some otherfeature to pivot anvil (18) to a closed position and hold anvil (18) inthe closed position while firing beam (14) advances to the distalposition. By way of example only, firing beam (14) and/or associatedlockout features may be constructed and operable in accordance with atleast some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 9,717,497, entitled“Lockout Feature for Movable Cutting Member of Surgical Instrument,”issued Aug. 1, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein. Other suitable forms that firing beam (14) may takewill be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of theteachings herein.

FIG. 3 shows firing beam (14) of the present example proximallypositioned and anvil (18) pivoted to an open position, allowing anunspent staple cartridge (37) to be removably installed into a channelof lower jaw (16). As best seen in FIGS. 5-6, staple cartridge (37) ofthis example includes a cartridge body (70), which presents an upperdeck (72) and is coupled with a lower cartridge tray (74). As best seenin FIG. 3, a vertical slot (49) is formed through part of staplecartridge (37). As also best seen in FIG. 3, three rows of stapleapertures (51) are formed through upper deck (72) on one side ofvertical slot (49), with another set of three rows of staple apertures(51) being formed through upper deck (72) on the other side of verticalslot (49). Of course, any other suitable number of staple rows (e.g.,two rows, four rows, any other number) may be provided. Referring backto FIGS. 4A-6, a wedge sled (41) and a plurality of staple drivers (43)are captured between cartridge body (70) and tray (74), with wedge sled(41) being located proximal to staple drivers (43). Wedge sled (41) ismovable longitudinally within staple cartridge (37); while stapledrivers (43) are movable vertically within staple cartridge (37).Staples (47) are also positioned within cartridge body (70), abovecorresponding staple drivers (43). In particular, each staple (47) isdriven vertically within cartridge body (70) by a staple driver (43) todrive staple (47) out through an associated staple aperture (51). Asbest seen in FIGS. 4A-4B and 6, wedge sled (41) presents inclined camsurfaces that urge staple drivers (43) upwardly as wedge sled (41) isdriven distally through staple cartridge (37).

In some versions, staple cartridge (37) is constructed and operable inaccordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. No.9,517,065, entitled “Integrated Tissue Positioning and Jaw AlignmentFeatures for Surgical Stapler,” issued Dec. 13, 2016, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein. In addition or in thealternative, staple cartridge (37) may be constructed and operable inaccordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. No.9,808,248, entitled “Installation Features for Surgical Instrument EndEffector Cartridge,” issued Nov. 7, 2017, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein. Other suitable forms that staplecartridge (37) may take will be apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art in view of the teachings herein.

With end effector (12) closed as depicted in FIGS. 4A-4B by distallyadvancing closure tube (32) and closure ring (33), firing beam (14) isthen advanced in engagement with anvil (18) by having upper pin (38)enter longitudinal anvil slot (42). A pusher block (80) (shown in FIG.5) is located at the distal end of firing beam (14), and is configuredto engage wedge sled (41) such that wedge sled (41) is pushed distallyby pusher block (80) as firing beam (14) is advanced distally throughstaple cartridge (37) when firing trigger (28) is actuated. During suchfiring, cutting edge (48) of firing beam (14) enters vertical slot (49)of staple cartridge (37), severing tissue clamped between staplecartridge (37) and anvil (18). As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, middle pin (46)and pusher block (80) together actuate staple cartridge (37) by enteringinto vertical slot (49) within staple cartridge (37), driving wedge sled(41) into upward camming contact with staple drivers (43) that in turndrive staples (47) out through staple apertures (51) and into formingcontact with staple forming pockets (53) (shown in FIG. 3) on the innersurface of anvil (18). FIG. 4B depicts firing beam (14) fully distallytranslated after completing severing and stapling of tissue. It shouldbe understood that staple forming pockets (53) are intentionally omittedfrom the view in FIGS. 4A-4B; but staple forming pockets (53) are shownin FIG. 3. It should also be understood that anvil (18) is intentionallyomitted from the view in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows end effector (12) having been actuated through a singlestroke through tissue (90). As shown, cutting edge (48) (obscured inFIG. 7) has cut through tissue (90), while staple drivers (43) havedriven three alternating rows of staples (47) through the tissue (90) oneach side of the cut line produced by cutting edge (48). Staples (47)are all oriented substantially parallel to the cut line in this example,though it should be understood that staples (47) may be positioned atany suitable orientations. In the present example, end effector (12) iswithdrawn from the trocar after the first stroke is complete, spentstaple cartridge (37) is replaced with a new staple cartridge, and endeffector (12) is then again inserted through the trocar to reach thestapling site for further cutting and stapling. This process may berepeated until the desired amount of cuts and staples (47) have beenprovided. Anvil (18) may need to be closed to facilitate insertion andwithdrawal through the trocar; and anvil (18) may need to be opened tofacilitate replacement of staple cartridge (37).

It should be understood that cutting edge (48) may sever tissuesubstantially contemporaneously with staples (47) being driven throughtissue during each actuation stroke. In the present example, cuttingedge (48) just slightly lags behind driving of staples (47), such that astaple (47) is driven through the tissue just before cutting edge (48)passes through the same region of tissue, though it should be understoodthat this order may be reversed or that cutting edge (48) may bedirectly synchronized with adjacent staples. While FIG. 7 shows endeffector (12) being actuated in two layers (92, 94) of tissue (90), itshould be understood that end effector (12) may be actuated through asingle layer of tissue (90) or more than two layers (92, 94) of tissue.It should also be understood that the formation and positioning ofstaples (47) adjacent to the cut line produced by cutting edge (48) maysubstantially seal the tissue at the cut line, thereby reducing orpreventing bleeding and/or leaking of other bodily fluids at the cutline. Furthermore, while FIG. 7 shows end effector (12) being actuatedin two substantially flat, apposed planar layers (92, 94) of tissue, itshould be understood that end effector (12) may also be actuated acrossa tubular structure such as a blood vessel, a section of thegastrointestinal tract, etc. FIG. 7 should therefore not be viewed asdemonstrating any limitation on the contemplated uses for end effector(12). Various suitable settings and procedures in which instrument (10)may be used will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art inview of the teachings herein.

In one version, instrument (10) provides motorized control of firingbeam (14). Exemplary components that may be used to provide motorizedcontrol of firing beam (14) are shown and described in U.S. Pat. No.9,622,746, entitled “Distal Tip Features for End Effector of SurgicalInstrument,” issued Apr. 18, 2017, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein. In addition to or in lieu of theforegoing, at least part of the motorized control may be configured inaccordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. No.8,210,411, entitled “Motor-Driven Surgical Instrument,” issued Jul. 3,2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Inaddition to or in lieu of the foregoing, the features operable to drivefiring beam (14) may be configured in accordance with at least some ofthe teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 8,453,914, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein; and/or in accordance with at leastsome of the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 8,453,914, the disclosure ofwhich is also incorporated by reference herein. Other suitablecomponents, features, and configurations for providing motorization offiring beam (14) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artin view of the teachings herein. It should also be understood that someother versions may provide manual driving of firing beam (14), such thata motor may be omitted. By way of example only, firing beam (14) may beactuated in accordance with at least some of the teachings of any otherpatent/publication reference cited herein.

Instrument (10) may also include a lockout switch and lockout indicatoras shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,622,746, entitled “Distal TipFeatures for End Effector of Surgical Instrument,” issued Apr. 18, 2017,the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.Additionally, a lockout switch and/or lockout indication and associatedcomponents/functionality may be configured in accordance with at leastsome of the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 7,644,848, entitled “ElectronicLockouts and Surgical Instrument Including Same,” issued Jan. 12, 2010,the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

Instrument (10) also include a manual return switch (116) configured toact as a “bailout” feature, enabling the operator to quickly beginretracting firing beam (14) proximally during a firing stroke. In otherwords, manual return switch (116) may be manually actuated when firingbeam (14) has only been partially advanced distally. Manual returnswitch (116) may provide further functionality in accordance with atleast some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 9,622,746, entitled “DistalTip Features for End Effector of Surgical Instrument,” issued Apr. 18,2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

In describing the operation of instrument (10), use of the term “pivot”(and similar terms with “pivot” as a base) should not be read asnecessarily requiring pivotal movement about a fixed axis. In someversions, anvil (18) pivots about an axis that is defined by a pin (orsimilar feature) that slides along an elongate slot or channel as anvil(18) moves toward lower jaw (16). In such versions, the pivot axistranslates along the path defined by the slot or channel while anvil(18) simultaneously pivots about that axis. In addition or in thealternative, the pivot axis may slide along the slot/channel first, withanvil (18) then pivoting about the pivot axis after the pivot axis hasslid a certain distance along the slot/channel. It should be understoodthat such sliding/translating pivotal movement is encompassed withinterms such as “pivot,” “pivots,” “pivotal,” “pivotable,” “pivoting,” andthe like. Of course, some versions may provide pivotal movement of anvil(18) about an axis that remains fixed and does not translate within aslot or channel, etc.

It should be understood that instrument (10) may be configured andoperable in accordance with any of the teachings of U.S. Pat. No.4,805,823; U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,334; U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,895; U.S. Pat.No. 5,597,107; U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,432; U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,840; U.S.Pat. No. 5,704,534; U.S. Pat. No. 5,814,055; U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,921;U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818; U.S. Pat. No. 7,143,923; U.S. Pat. No.7,303,108; U.S. Pat. No. 7,367,485; U.S. Pat. No. 7,380,695; U.S. Pat.No. 7,380,696; U.S. Pat. No. 7,404,508; U.S. Pat. No. 7,434,715; U.S.Pat. No. 7,721,930; U.S. Pat. No. 8,408,439; and/or U.S. Pat. No.8,453,914. As noted above, the disclosures of each of those patents andpublications are incorporated by reference herein. Additional exemplarymodifications that may be provided for instrument (10) will be describedin greater detail below. Various suitable ways in which the belowteachings may be incorporated into instrument (10) will be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art. Similarly, various suitable ways inwhich the below teachings may be combined with various teachings of thepatents/publications cited herein will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art. It should also be understood that the below teachingsare not limited to instrument (10) or devices taught in the patentscited herein. The below teachings may be readily applied to variousother kinds of instruments, including instruments that would not beclassified as surgical staplers. Various other suitable devices andsettings in which the below teachings may be applied will be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

II. Exemplary End Effector with Visualization, Lead-In, and GatheringFeature

In some instances, it may be desirable to provide the user with bettervisualization of end effector (12). In particular, as end effector (12)is inserted into a surgical site, the user may rotate shaft (22) ofinstrument (10) during the procedure. As a result, end effector (12)also rotates. As end effector (12) rotates, it may be desirable for theuser to have visual access to the surgical site. For instance, the usermay wish to see the interface or contact between tissue (90) and endeffector (12). Since end effector (12) may be rotated about thelongitudinal axis (LA) relative to handle portion (20), the user mayview the surgical site such that lower jaw (16) of end effector isvisible rather than anvil (18). Alternatively, end effector (12) couldbe rotated such that when the user views end effector (12), anvil (18)is visible by the user. It may be desirable to provide visibility of thesurgical site for the user beyond what is possible in instrument (10) ofFIG. 1. For instance, in the case of some surgical procedures wherefluid carrying vessels are transected and stapled, it may be desirableto have visual confirmation that anvil (18) and lower jaw (16)completely cover the vessel to be cut, such that the vessel may be fullycut and stapled in one single actuation. In other words, the user maywish to avoid cutting and stapling only a portion of a vessel. Thus,some means of visual monitoring and/or feedback may be desirable so thatthe user will know that end effector (12) has been positioned properlywithin the surgical site for anvil (18) and lower jaw (16) to fullyclamp the vessel. One potential way of monitoring the surgical site mayinclude improving visualization of the area adjacent to the distal tipof lower jaw (16) and anvil (18). Furthermore, not only visualization ofthe distal end of end effector (12) may be desirable, but also it may bedesirable to construct end effector (12) such that the distal end ofanvil (18) is configured to urge tissue (e.g., a large vessel)proximally into the space between anvil (18) and lower jaw (16) as anvil(18) closes toward lower jaw (16).

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary end effector (212) comprising an anvil (218)and a lower jaw (216). It will be appreciated that end effector (212)may be used in place of end effector (12) of instrument (10). Endeffector (212) may be integrally formed with instrument (10) or in thealternative may be interchangeable with end effector (12) of instrument(10).

Anvil (218) is operable to pivot relative to lower jaw (216). Anvil(218) and lower jaw (216) may clamp tissue (90) similarly to clampingperformed by anvil (18) and lower jaw (16) shown in FIG. 1. End effector(212) further comprises a cartridge (237) operable to be placed in lowerjaw (216) similarly to cartridge (37) shown in FIG. 3.

Anvil (218) as can be seen in FIGS. 8-10 has an elongated shape wherethe distal portion of anvil (218) angles toward cartridge (237). Thedistal portion of anvil (218) angles toward cartridge (237) such thatthe distal most tip (219) of anvil (218) extends distally longitudinallyfurther than cartridge (237). Though in some versions, distal tip (219)may extend to a distance longitudinally equal to cartridge (237) orproximal relative to the distal most point on cartridge (237).Furthermore, anvil (218) angles toward cartridge (237) through a gentleslope. As seen best in FIG. 10, anvil (218) includes sides (241) thattaper as they approach the distal most tip (219) of anvil (218). By wayof example, anvil (218) is shaped in FIG. 8 similarly to an inverted skitip. The angled shape of anvil (218) may provide easier insertion of endeffector (212) into a surgical site. For instance, the gentle slope orinverted ski tip shape of anvil (218) may provide an atraumatic tissuedeflection surface as anvil (218) contacts or moves through tissue. Suchatraumatic tissue deflection may include urging tissue (e.g., a largevessel) proximally into the space between anvil (218) and lower jaw(216) as anvil (218) closes toward lower jaw (216). Once placed into asurgical site, the angled shape of anvil (218) may also provide bettermaneuverability of end effector (212) and better visibility of thedistal end of end effector (212) in relation to anatomical structures atthe surgical site. Other suitable variations of anvil (218) will beapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachingsherein.

Cartridge (237) is operable to hold staples similar to staples (47)shown in FIG. 4A for driving into tissue. As shown in FIG. 9, the distalend of cartridge (237) has a triangular profile. In particular, thedistal end of cartridge (237) comprises an upper tapered surface (239)and a lower tapered surface (238). Additionally, the distal end ofcartridge (237) comprises a tapered side surface (243) on each side. Inthe present example, each tapered side surface (243) of cartridge (237)generally aligns with the taper presented by sides (241) of anvil (218).Thus, as shown in FIG. 10, side surfaces (243) of cartridge (237) do notextend outwardly from longitudinal axis (LA) of end effector (212) pastsides (241) of anvil (218). Upper tapered surface (239) and lowertapered surface (238) lead to the distal most end of cartridge (237).Lower tapered surface (238) defines a sight line (240) such that onceend effector (212) is inserted into a surgical site, the user can seealong sight line (240). Sight line (240) extends along the edge of lowertapered surface (238). It will be appreciated that the planar shape oflower tapered surface (238) may be operable to allow the user tovisualize and/or nearly visualize the distal tip (219) of anvil (218).In particular, sight line (240) intersects longitudinal axis (LA), whichextends longitudinally through end effector (212), to form a viewingangle (θ).

Viewing angle (θ) may establish the relative visibility that a user hasregarding distal tip (219). In particular, the user can see in front ofdistal tip (219) along any line of sight that passes through theintersection of sight line (240) and longitudinal axis (LA) withinviewing angle (θ). For instance, as viewing angle (θ) increases, theuser would have greater visibility of the area immediately in front ofdistal tip (219) from proximal vantage points; whereas as viewing angle(θ) decreases, the user has less visibility of the area in front ofdistal tip (219) from proximal vantage points. In some versions, viewingangle (θ) defines an angle greater than 90 degrees. Additionally, insome versions, viewing angle (θ) defines an angle greater than 135degrees. Other suitable angles for viewing angle (θ) will be apparent toone of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. In theillustrated version, the user generally looks along sight line (240) oralong some other line of sight within viewing angle (θ), thus, the userhas visibility along sight line as well as any area within viewing angle(θ). The underside of distal tip (219) is further slightly rounded toaid in the visibility of the intersection of longitudinal axis (LA) andsight line (240).

When tissue (90) is clamped between a closed cartridge (237) and anvil(218), the user can look along sight line (240) or elsewhere withinviewing angle (θ) to see, for instance, precisely where anvil (218) hasclamped tissue (90). Furthermore, the user would be able to determinewhether the tissue is completely clamped between anvil (218) andcartridge (237) such that tissue does not spill over the end of endeffector (212). The user may be able to also visualize the quality ofthe clamp between anvil (218) and cartridge (237) against tissue (90).It will be appreciated that in some instances, end effector (212) may berotated before, during, or after clamping tissue (90). As a result, thetapered shape of anvil (218) may also provide more accessible viewing ofdistal tip (219) or substantially adjacent distal tip (219). The taperof anvil (218) along with lower tapered surface (238) of cartridge (237)may further promote easy insertion of end effector (212) into tissue inan atraumatic manner. Furthermore, it may be easier to fit end effector(212) through a trocar or other devices operable to introduce endeffector (212) into a surgical site due to the tapered end of endeffector (212). For instance, once distal tip (219) is fit into atrocar, lower tapered surface (238) and the tapered shape of anvil (218)may provide a lead-in, guiding the rest of end effector (212) into thetrocar. In view of the teachings herein, those of ordinary skill in theart will further appreciate that visibility and maneuverability can beenhanced by the tapered design for both sides (241) of anvil (218) andeach side (243) of cartridge (237).

In addition to the foregoing, end effector (212) and versions ofinstrument (10) incorporating end effector (212) may be configured andoperable in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat.No. 9,186,142, entitled “Surgical Instrument End Effector ArticulationDrive with Pinion and Opposing Racks,” issued Nov. 17, 2015, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No.9,717,497, entitled “Lockout Feature for Movable Cutting Member ofSurgical Instrument,” issued Aug. 1, 2017, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 9,517,065, entitled“Integrated Tissue Positioning and Jaw Alignment Features for SurgicalStapler,” issued Dec. 13, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporatedby reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 9,839,421, entitled “Jaw ClosureFeature for End Effector of Surgical Instrument,” issued Dec. 12, 2017,the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat.No. 9,622,746, entitled “Distal Tip Features for End Effector ofSurgical Instrument,” issued Apr. 18, 2017, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pub. No. 2014/0239037, entitled“Staple Forming Features for Surgical Stapling Instrument,” publishedAug. 28, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated by referenceherein; U.S. Pat. No. 9,795,379, entitled “Surgical Instrument withMulti-Diameter Shaft,” issued Oct. 24, 2017, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein; and/or U.S. Pat. No. 9,808,248,entitled “Installation Features for Surgical Instrument End EffectorCartridge,” issued Nov. 7, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporatedby reference herein. Further modifications that may be incorporated intoend effector (212) will be described in greater detail below.

III. Exemplary End Effectors with Bent or Angled Elastically DeformableAnvil Tips

In some procedures, it may be necessary to cut along tissue or throughtissue where more than one cutting sequence is necessary to complete theprocedure—in other words making sequential cuts along a continuous path.In such procedures, this sequential cutting technique can be defined as“marching.” With procedures that involve marching, instrument (10) maybe placed at the surgical site, actuated to cut and staple, then removedfrom the surgical site for installing a new cartridge (37), and then beplaced back at the surgical site again for the next cut and staple alongthe same path in which the previous cutting and stapling cycle occurred.This process is repeated until the cut and staple procedure is complete.As can be seen in FIGS. 4A-4B and FIG. 7, the distal end configurationof end effector (12) provides a gap between the distal end of anvil (18)and the distal end of cartridge (37). This gap may facilitate marchingby providing an atraumatic space for tissue to enter the distal end ofend effector (12) at the beginning of each marching step.

As noted above, the distal end configuration of end effector (212) isdifferent from the distal end configuration of end effector (12); withthe different configuration of end effector (212) providing differentpotential advantages. In particular, the distal end configuration of endeffector (212) may provide improved maneuverability and improvedvisibility of the relationship between the distal end of end effector(212) and adjacent anatomical structures. In addition, the distal endconfiguration of end effector (212) may provide tissue-gathering effectsby urging tissue proximally into the space between anvil (218) and lowerjaw (216) as anvil (218) is closed toward lower jaw (216). However, inversions where all the structures of end effector (212) are rigid, thebent configuration of distal tip (219) of anvil (218) may not lenditself well to marching operations, as distal tip (219) may imparttrauma to tissue that is not gathered into the space between anvil (218)and lower jaw (216) as anvil (218) is closed toward lower jaw (216).Thus, in versions where all the structures of end effector (212) arerigid, end effector (212) may be best suited for cutting and staplingoperations (e.g., vessel transection) where all of the tissue that is tobe cut and stapled is gathered proximal to distal tip (219).

In view of the foregoing, it may be desirable to provide a variation ofend effectors (12, 212) that provides the marching capabilities of endeffector (12), the improved visibility associated with end effector(212), and the tissue gathering capabilities of end effector (212),without providing an increased risk of trauma that might otherwise beassociated with fully rigid versions of end effector (212). Thefollowing describes several merely illustrative examples of suchvariations of end effectors (12, 212). In the following examples, ananvil has a distal tip that is resiliently biased to assume a bent orangled configuration like distal tip (219); yet the resiliently biaseddistal tip is deflectable away from the lower jaw in response to asufficient load on the distal tip. It will be understood in view of theteachings herein that providing an anvil with an elastically deformableangled distal tip portion can provide an additional level ofmaneuverability benefits in terms of navigating through tissue to asurgical site. In this manner, the deformable distal tip portion maydeflect or deform to promote smooth and atraumatic movement of the endeffector through tissue, particularly during marching operations.Additionally, with an anvil having a bias to an angled position when notin a loaded state or contacted by surrounding tissue, enhancedvisualization during tissue capture and cutting can be achieved comparedto using end effectors with a straight or non-angled anvil. Moreover, ananvil with a distal tip that is biased to an angled position may providesome degree of tissue gathering effects up until reaching a load pointthat would be associated with marching rather than being associated withsimply gathering a relatively small tissue structure between the anviland lower jaw.

FIG. 11 shows another exemplary instrument (310) configured as asurgical stapler. Instrument (310) comprises a handle portion (320) anda shaft (322). Instrument (310) has a modular configuration such thatshaft (322) is selectively removable from, and attachable to, handleportion (320). Instrument (310) is configured similarly to instrument(10) such that the operability and use of instrument (310) is the sameas described above for instrument (10) with the added feature ofinstrument (310) being a modular configuration. With its modularconfiguration, instrument (310) provides a way to change the endeffector. Such a change in the end effector may be made to replace anotherwise worn end effector, or to provide for a different end effectorconfiguration based on the procedure or user preference. In addition toor in lieu of the foregoing, features operable for providing the modularconfiguration of instrument (310) may be configured in accordance withat least some of the teachings of U.S. Pub. No. 2017/086823, entitled“Surgical Stapling Instrument with Shaft Release, Powered Firing, andPowered Articulation,” published Mar. 30, 2017, the disclosure of whichis incorporated by reference herein. Other suitable components,features, and configurations for providing instrument (310) with amodular configuration will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart in view of the teachings herein. Moreover, it will be understood bythose of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein, thatinstrument (10) may be modified to incorporate a modular configurationas shown and described with respect to instrument (310) or otherinstruments incorporated by reference herein.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 11, instrument (310) comprises an endeffector (312) having an anvil (318) that has an angled distal tip(319). Furthermore, distal tip (319) of anvil (318) is elasticallydeformable. In this manner, and as shown best in FIGS. 12A and 12B,angled distal tip (319) is operable to elastically deform from a firstangled position to a second position. The second position for angleddistal tip (319) may be substantially straight in some versions, but maybe angled to a degree (e.g., slightly above or slightly below thelongitudinal axis (A1)) in other versions. It should be understood thatthe second position for angled distal tip (319) may be defined by thecharacteristics (e.g., thickness, density, etc.) of the tissue that isbeing captured between anvil (318) and lower jaw (16). In the presentexample, end effector (312) is provided on shaft (322) that isdetachable from handle portion (320). By way of example only, shaft(322) may be detachable from handle portion (320) in accordance with atleast some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 9,913,642, entitled“Surgical Instrument Comprising a Sensor System,” issued Mar. 13, 2018,the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. In someother versions, shaft (322) is not detachable from handle portion (320).

It will be appreciated that end effector (312) may be used in place ofend effector (12) shown in FIG. 1. In some versions, end effector (312)may be integrally formed with shaft (22) or alternatively may beseparately formed and then combined. In some versions, end effector(312) may be provided for use in robotic systems. In such roboticsystems, modular shaft (322) having end effector (312) may be attachableto a portion of the robotic system for use such that handle portion(320) is replaced by components of the robotic system. Still in otherexamples, end effector (312) may be adapted for use with a roboticsystem in a manner where end effector (312) connects with the roboticsystem without necessarily connecting the entire modular shaft (322). Inview of the teachings herein, other ways to incorporate an end effectorhaving an angled elastically deformable anvil tip into a user operatedor robotic operated instrument will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art.

FIG. 12A shows an enlarged side view of the distal end of end effector(312). End effector (312) comprises anvil (318) and lower jaw (16) thataccepts cartridge (37) as described above with respect to instrument(10). Anvil (318) pivotably rotates toward lower jaw (16) in the samemanner as anvil (18) as described above with respect to instrument (10).In this configuration, end effector (312) is similar to end effector(12), however, anvil (318) comprises angled distal tip (319) that iselastically deformable. As shown in FIG. 12A, tip (319) is imparted witha bias to an angled position that is shown in FIG. 11 and in phantom inFIG. 12A. Tip (319) assumes this angled position when end effector (312)is not clamping tissue and is open, as shown in FIG. 11; or closedwithout clamping tissue, as shown in phantom in FIG. 12A. In instanceswhen end effector (312) is in this angled state or position, endeffector (312) can be considered not loaded or in a non-loaded state orposition. Conversely when end effector (312) is clamping tissue, endeffector (312) can be considered loaded or in a loaded state orposition.

When closed and not clamping tissue between anvil (318) and lower jaw(16), tip (319) contacts cartridge (37). In this position, an undersidesurface (324) of tip (319) defines a plane that intersects alongitudinal axis (A1) defined by shaft (322) to form an angle (θ1).When closed and clamping tissue (90) between anvil (318) and lower jaw(16), underside surface (324) of tip (319) contacts tissue (90). In thisposition, underside surface (324) of tip (319) defines a plane thatintersects longitudinal axis (A1) to form an angle (θ2). In theillustrated example of FIG. 12A, angles (θ1, θ2) are relative tolongitudinal axis (A1), and the sum of angles (θ1, θ2) represent therange of motion distal tip (319) undergoes. By way of example only, andnot limitation, in some examples angle (θ1) is between about 20 andabout 70 degrees, or more particularly between about 30 degrees andabout 50 degrees, in a downward direction from longitudinal axis (A1)toward cartridge (37). By way of example only, and not limitation, insome examples angle (θ2) is between about 0 and about 90 degrees in anupward direction from longitudinal axis (A1) away from cartridge (37).By way of example only, and not limitation, in some examples the rangeof motion undergone by tip (319) is between about 20 degrees and about110 degrees. The angles described for angles (θ1, θ2) are exemplary onlyand not limiting. Other suitable angles will be apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

Additionally, in some instances longitudinal axis (A1) represents azero-degree reference and angles relative thereto may be positive ornegative. For instance, where an angle is in a downward direction fromlongitudinal axis (A1) toward cartridge (37), the angle may becharacterized as a negative angle. Similarly, where an angle is in anupward direction from longitudinal axis (A1) away from cartridge (37),the angle may be characterized as a positive angle. When using theseconventions, the range of motion of distal tip (319) due to deformationcan be understood as the sum of the absolute value of the angle whendistal tip (319) is in the position contacting cartridge (37), and theangle when distal tip (319) is in the deformed state when clampingtissue.

FIG. 12B shows another side view of an alternate end effector (412)similar to end effector (312) of FIG. 12A. With end effector (312), whenanvil (318) is in its angled and non-deformed state (as seen in phantomin the view of FIG. 12A), anvil (318) extends to a point even with orproximal to the distal most end of cartridge (37). When anvil (318) isdeformed such that it is deflected upwardly, the end of distal tip (319)extends to a point just distal to the distal most end of cartridge (37).With end effector (412), as shown in FIG. 12B, when anvil (318) is inits angled and non-deformed state (as seen in phantom in the view ofFIG. 12B), anvil (318) extends to a point even with or proximal to thedistal most end of cartridge (37). When anvil (318) is deformed suchthat it is deflected upwardly, the end of a distal tip (319) of anvil(318) extends to a point even with or proximal to the distal most end ofcartridge (37). In this manner, anvil (318) of end effector (412)remains even with or proximal to the distal most end of cartridge (37)when anvil (318) is in its angled state or deformed state such thatanvil (318) does not extend past the distal most end of cartridge (37)whether anvil (318) is in its angled and non-deformed state or in itsdeformed state. In some instances, this can be achieved by modifyinganvil (318) such that distal tip (319) of anvil is shortened in length.In other instances, instruments (10, 310) may be modified to provide fora slight proximal retraction of anvil (318) when clamping. In view ofthe teachings herein, other ways to modify end effector (412) as itrelates to control of anvil (318) position, will be apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art.

A. Overmolded Anvil Tip

FIGS. 13-15 show enlarged distal views of end effector (312) toillustrate an exemplary construction. The constructions shown in FIGS.13-15 also applies to end effector (412) shown in FIG. 12B, except forthe anvil (318) length difference noted above. As shown in the top viewof FIG. 13, end effector (312) comprises anvil (318) where distal tip(319) comprises a rigid portion (326) and a deflectable portion (328).In the present example, deflectable portion (328) is overmolded ontorigid portion (326) to form distal tip (319) of anvil (318). In theillustrated example as shown in FIG. 13, the outline of cartridge (37)is shown in phantom to reveal underside surface (324) of anvil (318).Rigid portion (326) of distal tip (319) extends from a body (330) ofanvil (318). In the present example, body (330) is comprised of metaland rigid portion (326) is an extension of metal body (330) into distaltip (319). In other versions, body (330) and/or rigid portion (326) canbe comprised of materials other than metal, including but not limited toplastic, ceramic, combinations of metal with plastic or ceramic, andother suitable materials or combinations of materials that will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachingsherein. Additionally, rigid portion (326) in some versions is entirelyrigid, yet in other versions rigid portion (326) can be resilient to alesser extent than deflectable portion (328).

In the illustrated version of FIGS. 13 and 14, metal portion (326)comprises an underside surface (332) that is generally flat or planar,and a top surface (334) that is similarly generally flat or planar.Metal portion (326) further comprises an opening (336) that extendsthrough metal portion (326) from top surface (334) to underside surface(332). Additionally, metal portion (326) comprises a neck region (338),a head region (340) that extends distally from neck region (338), andshoulders (342) at the transition between neck region (338) and headregion (340). In the present example neck region (338) extends from body(330) of anvil (318). With this arrangement, metal portion (326)provides securing features or interfaces, such as opening (336) andshoulders (342), where elastomeric portion (328) can connect with metalportion (326) in a secure fashion using an overmolding process.

FIG. 15 illustrates a cross section view of anvil (318) just proximal todistal tip (319). As shown, anvil (318) comprises a longitudinal slot(344) that divides six rows of staple forming pockets (346) into twosets of three rows each. Slot (344) and staple forming pockets (346) arestructurally and functionally similar to slot (42) and staple formingpockets (53) described above with respect to anvil (18). Slot (344)comprises a “t” shaped cross section as shown in FIG. 15. Referringagain to FIGS. 13 and 14, opening (336) in metal portion (326) ispositioned adjacent to a laterally extending portion of slot (344). Inview of the teachings herein, other ways to configure metal portion(326) for suitable connection with elastomeric portion (328) using anovermolding process will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart.

Elastomeric portion (328) is molded onto metal portion (326) and in themolding process is imparted with an angled configuration such thatelastomeric portion (328) defines a plane that intersects and is notco-planar with a plane defined by body (330) of anvil (318). In thismanner, elastomeric portion (328) is formed with a bias to maintain itsangled configuration unless some other force is imparted ontoelastomeric portion (328) causing it to deflect from its initial angledposition. During the molding process, elastomeric material flows throughand fills opening (336) in metal portion (326). Elastomeric materialalso flows around and adjacent to shoulders (342). In this manner,elastomer portion (328) is securely connected with metal portion (326)during the overmolding process. Elastomeric portion (328) may compriserubber, plastic, or any other suitable natural or synthetic materialhaving the desired elastomeric properties that will allow distal tip(319) to deform when subject to force, yet resiliently return to itsinitial angled state when the force is no longer applied or present.During the molding process, a stop member (not shown) may be insertedinto a slot (349) formed distally to slot (344), to prevent theelastomeric material from entering slot (344). In view of the teachingsherein, other ways to configure elastomeric portion (328) for suitableconnection with metal portion (326) using an overmolding process will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

With the configuration for distal tip (319) as described above and shownin FIGS.

13 and 14, the extension of metal portion (326) into the region ofdistal tip (319) defines a deflection zone (348). Deflection zone (348)coincides with a rigid portion of distal tip (319) located at a proximalend of distal tip (319). With this area of increased rigidity, distaltip (319) will deflect, for example as shown in FIG. 12A, withdeflection zone (348) serving as a pivot point or location about whichthe remainder of distal tip (319) rotates during deflection. In view ofthe teachings herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciateother ways in which to modify distal tip (319) to alter, modify, orcontrol deflection zone (348) such that a desired deflection of distaltip (319) is achieved.

IV. Exemplary Configurations for End Effectors with ElasticallyDeformable Placement Tips

With end effectors having bent or angled elastic deformable tips, alsoreferred to as placement tips, such as those described above withrespect to end effectors (312, 412), the deformable tips can deflectduring use. As described above, the elastic deformable tip can belocated on the anvil, like with anvil (318). In other versions, theelastic deformable tip can be located on the cartridge. Additionally,while end effectors (12, 212, 312, 412) described above are discussed asincluding a lower jaw (16, 216) opposite to the anvil (18, 218, 318), insome versions the end effectors comprise an upper jaw and a lower jaw,where the anvil may be located on either jaw, and the cartridge may belocated on either jaw opposite the jaw with the anvil. Furthermore,either jaw may include the elastic deformable tip, which can be part of,or associated with, the anvil or the cartridge. The following paragraphsdescribe several exemplary end effectors, usable with instruments (10,310) and other instruments, that include a lower jaw, an upper jaw, andan elastic deformable tip or placement tip. These exemplary endeffectors are shown and described in a variety of ways that are notintended to be mutually exclusive of each other. Instead, in manyinstances the features of one version applies equally to anotherversion, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art inview of the teachings herein.

In some versions that will be shown and described, the deflection of thedeformable tip changes an angle of the deformable tip relative to alongitudinal axis defined by the jaw with which the deformable tip islocated when comparing states when the end effector is in open versusclosed states. In some versions that will be shown and described, thedeflection of the deformable tip changes an angle of the deformable tiprelative to the nose of the cartridge when the end effector is loaded orengages tissue versus when the end effector is not loaded or not engagedwith tissue. In some versions that will be shown and described, theplacement tip of one of the end effector jaws may adopt certainpositions relative to the other of the end effector jaws when indeflected versus non-deflected states. In some versions that will beshown and described, the end effector components are configured withcertain placement tip end and/or width profiles. Lastly, in someversions that will be shown and described, the end effector componentsare configured with certain underside surface configurations and/orgaps.

The end effectors described below can each be configured for use withinstruments (10, 310) described above. For instance, it will beappreciated that each of the end effectors described below may be usedin place of end effector (12) shown in FIG. 1 or in place of endeffector (312) shown in FIG. 11. In some versions, each of the endeffectors described below may be integrally formed with shaft (22) oralternatively may be separately formed and then combined. In someversions, each of the end effectors described below may be provided foruse in robotic systems. In such robotic systems, modular shaft (322)having any of the end effectors described below may be attachable to aportion of the robotic system for use such that handle portion (320) isreplaced by components of the robotic system. Still in other examples,each of the end effectors described below may be adapted for use with arobotic system in a manner where any of the end effectors describedbelow connects with the robotic system without necessarily connectingthe entire modular shaft (322). In view of the teachings herein, otherways to incorporate each of the end effectors described below into auser operated or robotic operated instrument will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art.

A. Exemplary Angles in Open and Closed States

Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17, an enlarged view of an end effector(512) is shown. End effector (512) is configured for use withinstruments (10, 310) and/or for robotic use as described above. Endeffector (512) comprises an upper jaw (514) and a lower jaw (516). Inthe present example, upper jaw (514) comprises a body (517) havingdistal tip or placement tip (519) that is bent or angled and elasticallydeformable. Body (517), excluding placement tip (519), defines alongitudinal axis (LA1). Placement tip (519) defines another axis (A2).In the present example, longitudinal axis (LA1) extends parallel to anunderside surface (520) of body (517) of upper jaw (514). Similarly,axis (A2) extends parallel to an underside surface (522) of placementtip (519).

As shown in FIG. 16, end effector (512) is in an open position or statewith no tissue or other object contacting end effector (512). A firstangle (θ3) is defined by the intersection of longitudinal axis (LA1) ofbody (517) and axis (A2) of placement tip (519). Stated another way,first angle (θ3) is defined by the intersection of a plane extendingalong underside surface (520) of body (517) and a plane extending alongunderside surface (522) of placement tip (519).

As shown in FIG. 17, end effector (512) has been moved to a closedposition and still in an unloaded state without tissue contacting endeffector (512). However, in the closed position, placement tip (519) ofupper jaw (514) contacts lower jaw (516). With this contact and theelastically deformable nature of placement tip (519), placement tip(519) deflects from its position relative to body (517) as shown in FIG.16. In this deflected position or state, a second angle (θ4) is definedby the intersection of longitudinal axis (LA1) of body (517) and axis(A2) of placement tip (519). Stated another way, second angle (θ4) isdefined by the intersection of a plane extending along underside surface(520) of body (517) and a plane extending along underside surface (522)of placement tip (519).

With the deflection of placement tip (519), second angle (θ4) is not thesame as first angle (θ3). For instance, with the illustrated deflectionin FIG. 17, the lower jaw (516) contacts the underside of placement tip(519) such that placement tip (519) pivots upward away from lower jaw(516) such that the second angle (θ4) is greater than the first angle(θ3). In the present example, end effector (512) defines a pivot point(524) about which placement tip (519) pivots relative to body (517).More specifically, pivot point (524) occurs at the location whereunderside surface (520) of body (517) and underside surface (522) ofplacement tip (519) meet. With this configuration, end effector (512)comprises a placement tip (519) extending from the distal end of upperjaw (514). Placement tip (519) comprises a first angle (θ3) with respectto the axis of body (517) of upper jaw (514), or longitudinal axis(LA1), when end effector (512) is in the open position. Placement tip(519) further comprises a second angle (θ4) with respect to the axis ofbody (517) of upper jaw (514), when end effector (512) is in the closedposition, and second angle (θ4) differs from first angle (θ3).

In view of the teachings herein, various ways to modify end effector(512) and the deflection of placement tip (519) such that other anglesare achieved for second angle (θ4) when end effector (512) is in aclosed position will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artin view of the teachings herein. By way of example only, and notlimitation, one such modification would be to alter the relationship ofthe contact that placement tip (519) makes with lower jaw (516) when endeffector (512) is closed. In the present example, lower jaw (516)comprises a nose portion (526) at a distal end of lower jaw (516).Furthermore, nose portion (526) comprises a top surface (528) thatdefines a plane having a slope relative to a longitudinal axis (LA2) oflower jaw (516). This slope can impact the deflection of the placementtip (519) thereby causing changes in the second angle (θ4). By way ofanother example only, and not limitation, another such modificationwould be to include features on top surface (528) that direct and/orimpact the deflection of the placement tip (519) thereby causing changesin the second angle (θ4).

In some versions, upper jaw (514) comprises an anvil (518) similar toanvils (18, 218, 318) as described above. In such versions, anvil (518)comprises body (517) and placement tip (519). Also in such versions,opposite anvil (518), lower jaw (516) comprises a staple cartridge (537)with nose portion (526). With this configuration, end effector (512)comprises placement tip (519) extending from the distal end of anvil(518). Placement tip (519) comprises a first angle (θ3) with respect toanvil (518) axis or longitudinal axis (LA1) when end effector (512) isin the open position. Placement tip (519) further comprises a secondangle (θ4) with respect to anvil (518) axis or longitudinal axis (LA1)when end effector (512) is in the closed position, and second angle (θ4)differs from first angle (θ3) as described above. In some otherversions, the location of anvil (518) and cartridge (537) can beswitched such that lower jaw (516) comprises anvil (518) while upper jaw(514) comprises staple cartridge (537).

B. Exemplary Angles with Deflection by Tissue

Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, an enlarged view of an end effector(612) is shown. End effector (612) is configured for use withinstruments (10, 310) and/or for robotic use as described above. Endeffector (612) comprises an upper jaw (614) and a lower jaw (616). Inthe present example, upper jaw (614) comprises a body (617) havingplacement tip (619) that is bent or angled and elastically deformable.Body (617), excluding the placement tip (619), defines a longitudinalaxis (LA3) that extends along an underside surface (620) of body (617).Placement tip (619) defines another axis (A3) that extends along anunderside surface (622) of placement tip (619). Furthermore, in thepresent example, lower jaw (616) comprises a tapered nose portion (626)at a distal end of lower jaw (616). Nose portion (626) defines an axis(A4) that extends along a top surface (628) of nose portion (626).

As shown in FIG. 18, end effector (612) is in an unloaded state with notissue or other object between upper jaw (614) and lower jaw (616). Athird angle (θ5) is defined by the intersection of longitudinal axis(LA3) of body (617) and axis (A3) of placement tip (619). Stated anotherway, third angle (θ5) is defined by the intersection of a planeextending along underside surface (620) of body (617) and a planeextending along underside surface (622) of placement tip (619) when endeffector (612) is in an unloaded state. Similarly, when end effector(612) is in an unloaded state with no tissue or other object betweenupper jaw (614) and lower jaw (616) as shown in FIG. 18, a fifth angle(α1) is defined by the intersection of axis (A3) of placement tip (619)and axis (A4) of nose portion (626). Stated another way, fifth angle(α1) is defined by the intersection of a plane extending along undersidesurface (622) of placement tip (619) and a plane extending along topsurface (628) of nose portion (626) when end effector (612) is in anunloaded state. As also shown in the present example of FIG. 18, withend effector (612) closed and in an unloaded state, an end (630) ofplacement tip (619) is located proximal to an end (632) of nose portion(626).

As shown in FIG. 19, end effector (612) has been moved to a closedposition and loaded state with tissue between upper jaw (614) and lowerjaw (616) of end effector (612). With tissue between jaws (614, 616) andthe elastically deformable nature of placement tip (619), placement tip(619) deflects from its position relative to body (617). In thisdeflected position or state, a fourth angle (θ6) is defined by theintersection of longitudinal axis (LA3) of body (617) and axis (A3) ofplacement tip (619). Stated another way, fourth angle (θ6) is defined bythe intersection of a plane extending along underside surface (620) ofbody (617) and a plane extending along underside surface (622) ofplacement tip (619) when end effector (612) is in a loaded state.Similarly, when end effector (612) is in the loaded state with tissuebetween upper jaw (614) and lower jaw (616) as shown in FIG. 19, a sixthangle (α2) is defined by the intersection of axis (A3) of placement tip(619) and axis (A4) of nose portion (626). Stated another way, sixthangle (α2) is defined by the intersection of a plane extending alongunderside surface (622) of placement tip (619) and a plane extendingalong top surface (628) of nose portion (626) when end effector (612) isin a loaded state. As also shown in the present example of FIG. 19, withend effector (612) closed and in a loaded state, end (630) of placementtip (619) is located distal to end (632) of nose portion (626).

With the deflection of placement tip (619) in the loaded state of FIG.19 versus the unloaded state of FIG. 18, fourth angle (θ6) is not thesame as third angle (θ5). For instance, with the illustrated deflectionin FIG. 19, the tissue contacts the underside of placement tip (619)such that placement tip (619) pivots upward away from lower jaw (616)such that the fourth angle (θ6) is greater than the third angle (θ5). Inthe present example, end effector (612) defines a pivot point (624)about which placement tip (619) pivots relative to body (617). Morespecifically, pivot point (624) occurs at the location where undersidesurface (620) of body (617) and underside surface (622) of placement tip(619) meet. With this configuration, end effector (612) comprises aplacement tip (619) extending from the distal end of upper jaw (614).Placement tip (619) comprises a third angle (θ5) with respect to theaxis of body (617) of upper jaw (614), or longitudinal axis (LA3), whenend effector (612) is in the closed and unloaded state. Placement tip(619) further comprises a fourth angle (θ6) with respect to the axis ofbody (617) of upper jaw (614), when end effector (612) is in the closedposition and loaded state, and fourth angle (θ6) differs from thirdangle (θ5). Similarly with this configuration, end effector (612)comprises placement tip (619) having an undeflected state and adeflected state. In the undeflected state placement tip (619) and noseportion (626) define fifth angle (α1), and in the deflected stateplacement tip (619) and nose portion (626) define sixth angle (α2) thatdiffers from fifth angle (α1).

In view of the teachings herein, various ways to modify end effector(612) and the deflection of placement tip (619) such that other anglesare achieved for fourth angle (θ6) and sixth angle (α2) when endeffector (612) is in a closed and loaded state will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. By way ofexample only, and not limitation, one such modification would be toalter the taper of nose portion (626) so that axis (A4) that extendsalong top surface (628) of nose portion (626) is steeper or shallower.By way of another example only, and not limitation, another suchmodification would be to include features on top surface (628) thatdirect the tissue held between the nose portion (626) and placement tip(619) to alter the force applied to placement tip (619) and thereby thedeflection of placement tip (619) to cause changes in fourth angle (θ6)and sixth angle (α2) when end effector (612) is in a closed and loadedstate.

In some versions, upper jaw (614) comprises an anvil (618) similar toanvils (18, 218, 318) as described above. In such versions, anvil (618)comprises body (617) and placement tip (619). Also in such versions,opposite anvil (618), lower jaw (616) comprises a staple cartridge (637)with nose portion (626). With this configuration, end effector (612)comprises placement tip (619) extending from the distal end of anvil(618). Placement tip (619) comprises a third angle (θ5) with respect toanvil (618) axis or longitudinal axis (LA3) when end effector (612) isin the closed and unloaded state. Placement tip (619) further comprisesa fourth angle (θ6) with respect to anvil (618) axis or longitudinalaxis (LA3) when end effector (612) is in the closed and loaded state,and fourth angle (θ6) differs from third angle (θ5) as described above.Similarly with this configuration, end effector (612) comprisesplacement tip (619) extending from the distal end of anvil (618), andnose portion (619) at a distal end of cartridge (637), where endeffector (612) has an undeflected state and a deflected state. In theundeflected state placement tip (619) of anvil (618), and nose portion(626) of cartridge (637), define fifth angle (α1). In the deflectedstate placement tip (619) of anvil (618), and nose portion (626) ofcartridge (637) define sixth angle (α2) that differs from fifth angle(α1). In some other versions, the location of anvil (618) and cartridge(637) can be switched such that lower jaw (616) comprises anvil (618)while upper jaw (614) comprises staple cartridge (637).

C. Exemplary Tip Positions in Deflected and Non-Deflected States

As described above with respect to FIGS. 18 and 19, placement tip (619)is configured to deflect when end effector (612) is loaded, and suchdeflection occurs in a manner where end (630) of placement tip (619)changes its relative placement or location with respect to end (632) ofnose portion (626) of cartridge (637). As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, end(630) is proximal to end (632) when end effector (612) is unloaded suchthat there is an absence of tissue between upper jaw (614) and lower jaw(616). And when end effector (612) is loaded with tissue between upperjaw (614) and lower jaw (616), end (630) moves distally such that end(630) is distal to end (632).

Referring now to FIG. 20, an enlarged view of an end effector (712) isshown. End effector (712) is configured for use with instruments (10,310) and/or for robotic use as described above. End effector (712)comprises upper jaw (714) and lower jaw (716). Lower jaw (716) comprisesnose portion (726) and end (732). Lower jaw (716) further comprises deck(772). Upper jaw (714) comprises a body (717) and a placement tip (719).Placement tip (719) has a bent or angled configuration and iselastically deformable as described above. Placement tip (719) comprisesend (730) at its distal-most portion.

As shown in FIG. 20, a first reference plane (P1) is defined by deck(772), and generally extends parallel with a longitudinal axis of lowerjaw (716). A second reference plane (P2) passes through end (732) ofnose portion (726) such that second reference plane (P2) is orthogonalto first reference plane (P1). As shown in FIG. 20, the location orplacement of end (732) of placement tip (719) can be shown and describedrelative to first reference plane (P1) and second reference plane (P2).In other words, the location or placement of end (730) of placement tip(719) can be described as being proximal to, even with, or distal to end(732) of nose portion (726) of lower jaw (716) as illustrated by secondreference plane (P2). At the same time, the location or placement of end(730) of placement tip (719) can be described as being above, even with,or below deck (772) of lower jaw (716) as illustrated by first referenceplane (P1).

Referring now to FIG. 21, an enlarged view of another end effector (812)is shown with reference markings that define multiple zones that can beused to describe the location or placement of the end of the placementtip of an exemplary end effector. End effector (812) is configured foruse with instruments (10, 310) and/or for robotic use as describedabove. As with end effector (712) and FIG. 20, end effector (812) ofFIG. 21 also comprises first reference plane (P1) and second referenceplane (P2). Additionally, a third reference plane (P3) is defined by andextends along a bottom surface (834) of lower jaw (816). Third referenceplane (P3) in the present example is parallel with first reference plane(P1) and also orthogonal to second reference plane (P2). With thisconfiguration, as shown in FIG. 21, six zones are defined by theintersections of first and third reference planes (P1, P3) with secondreference plane (P2).

A first zone (Z1) is shown as the region above deck (872) of lower jaw(816) (corresponding with first reference plane (P1)) and proximal toend (832) of nose portion (826) (corresponding with second referenceplane (P2)). A second zone (Z2) is shown as the region above deck (872)of lower jaw (816) (corresponding with first reference plane (P1)) anddistal to end (832) of nose portion (826) (corresponding with secondreference plane (P2)). A third zone (Z3) is shown as the region belowdeck (872) of lower jaw (816) (corresponding with first reference plane(P1)) yet above bottom surface (834) of lower jaw (816) (correspondingwith third reference plane (P3)), and proximal to end (832) of noseportion (826) (corresponding with second reference plane (P2)). A fourthzone (Z4) is shown as the region below deck (872) of lower jaw (816)(corresponding with first reference plane (P1)) yet above bottom surface(834) of lower jaw (816) (corresponding with third reference plane(P3)), and distal to end (832) of nose portion (826) (corresponding withsecond reference plane (P2)). A fifth zone (Z5) is shown as the regionbelow bottom surface (834) of lower jaw (816) (corresponding with thirdreference plane (P3)), and proximal to end (832) of nose portion (826)(corresponding with second reference plane (P2)). A sixth zone (Z6) isshown as the region below bottom surface (834) of lower jaw (816)(corresponding with third reference plane (P3)), and distal to end (832)of nose portion (826) (corresponding with second reference plane (P2)).

Using this reference system, several exemplary end effectors will now bedescribed that illustrate various locations or placements for the end ofthe placement tip when the end effector is in a closed and unloadedstate. Referring to FIG. 22A, an enlarged view of another end effector(912) is shown in a closed and unloaded state. End effector (912) isconfigured for use with instruments (10, 310) and/or for robotic use asdescribed above. End effector (912) comprises an upper jaw (914) and alower jaw (916). Upper jaw (914) comprises a body (917) and a placementtip (919). At its distal-most portion, placement tip (919) comprises anend (930). As shown, placement tip (919) has a bent or angledconfiguration. With the illustrated configuration, placement tip (919)extends through first zone (Z1), and the location of end (930) ofplacement tip (919) is in third zone (Z3). In view of the teachingsherein, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art thatwhen end effector (912) is in a closed and loaded state that thelocation of end (930) of placement tip (919) may deflect yet remain inthird zone (Z3). However, it will also be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art in view of the teachings herein that placement tip(919) may deflect such that end (930) of placement tip (919) changes itslocation in the closed and loaded state to another one of the zones.

Referring now to FIG. 22B, an enlarged view of another end effector(1012) is shown in a closed and unloaded state. End effector (1012) isconfigured for use with instruments (10, 310) and/or for robotic use asdescribed above. End effector (1012) comprises an upper jaw (1014) and alower jaw (1016). Upper jaw (1014) comprises a body (1017) and aplacement tip (1019). At its distal-most portion, placement tip (1019)comprises an end (1030). As shown, placement tip (1019) has a curvedconfiguration. With the illustrated configuration, placement tip (1019)extends through first zone (Z1), and the location of end (1030) ofplacement tip (1019) is in third zone (Z3). In view of the teachingsherein, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art thatwhen end effector (1012) is in a closed and loaded state that thelocation of end (1030) of placement tip (1019) may deflect yet remain inthird zone (Z3). However, it will also be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art in view of the teachings herein that placement tip(1019) may deflect such that end (1030) of placement tip (1019) changesits location in the closed and loaded state to another one of the zones.

Referring now to FIG. 22C, an enlarged view of another end effector(1112) is shown in a closed and unloaded state. End effector (1112) isconfigured for use with instruments (10, 310) and/or for robotic use asdescribed above. End effector (1112) comprises an upper jaw (1114) and alower jaw (1116). Upper jaw (1114) comprises a body (1117) and aplacement tip (1119). At its distal-most portion, placement tip (1119)comprises an end (1130). As shown, placement tip (1119) has a bent orangled configuration. With the illustrated configuration, placement tip(1119) extends through first and third zones (Z1, Z3) and the locationof end (1130) of placement tip (1119) is in fourth zone (Z4). In view ofthe teachings herein, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art that when end effector (1112) is in a closed and loaded statethat the location of end (1130) of placement tip (1119) may deflect yetremain in fourth zone (Z4). However, it will also be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein thatplacement tip (1119) may deflect such that end (1130) of placement tip(1119) changes its location in the closed and loaded state to anotherone of the zones.

Referring now to FIG. 22D, an enlarged view of another end effector(1212) is shown in a closed and unloaded state. End effector (1212) isconfigured for use with instruments (10, 310) and/or for robotic use asdescribed above. End effector (1212) comprises an upper jaw (1214) and alower jaw (1216). Upper jaw (1214) comprises a body (1217) and aplacement tip (1219). At its distal-most portion, placement tip (1219)comprises an end (1230). As shown, placement tip (1219) has a curvedconfiguration. With the illustrated configuration, placement tip (1219)extends through first, second, third, fourth, and sixth zones (Z1, Z2,Z3, Z4, Z6) and the location of end (1230) of placement tip (1219) is infifth zone (Z5). Out of the six total zones, placement tip (1230) passesthrough all of them, albeit third zone (Z3) is substantially void ofplacement tip (1230). In view of the teachings herein, it will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that when end effector(1212) is in a closed and loaded state that the location of end (1230)of placement tip (1219) may deflect yet remain in fifth zone (Z5).However, it will also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artin view of the teachings herein that placement tip (1219) may deflectsuch that end (1230) of placement tip (1219) changes its location in theclosed and loaded state to another one of the zones.

Referring now to FIG. 22E, an enlarged view of another end effector(1312) is shown in a closed and unloaded state. End effector (1312) isconfigured for use with instruments (10, 310) and/or for robotic use asdescribed above. End effector (1312) comprises an upper jaw (1314) and alower jaw (1316). Upper jaw (1314) comprises a body (1317) and aplacement tip (1319). At its distal-most portion, placement tip (1319)comprises an end (1330). As shown, placement tip (1319) has a bent orangled configuration. With the illustrated configuration, placement tip(1319) extends through first, third, and fourth zones (Z1, Z3, Z4) andthe location of end (1330) of placement tip (1319) is in sixth zone(Z6). In view of the teachings herein, it will be apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art that when end effector (1312) is in a closedand loaded state that the location of end (1330) of placement tip (1319)may deflect yet remain in sixth zone (Z6). However, it will also beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachingsherein that placement tip (1319) may deflect such that end (1330) ofplacement tip (1319) changes its location in the closed and loaded stateto another one of the zones.

Referring now to FIG. 22F, an enlarged view of another end effector(1412) is shown in a closed and unloaded state. End effector (1412) isconfigured for use with instruments (10, 310) and/or for robotic use asdescribed above. End effector (1412) comprises an upper jaw (1414) and alower jaw (1416). Upper jaw (1414) comprises a body (1417) and aplacement tip (1419). At its distal-most portion, placement tip (1419)comprises an end (1430). As shown, placement tip (1419) has amulti-angled configuration. With the illustrated configuration,placement tip (1419) extends through first, third, and fourth zones (Z1,Z3, Z4) and the location of end (1430) of placement tip (1419) is insixth zone (Z6). In view of the teachings herein, it will be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art that when end effector (1412) is in aclosed and loaded state that the location of end (1430) of placement tip(1419) may deflect yet remain in sixth zone (Z6). However, it will alsobe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of theteachings herein that placement tip (1419) may deflect such that end(1430) of placement tip (1419) changes its location in the closed andloaded state to another one of the zones.

Referring now to FIG. 22G, an enlarged view of another end effector(1512) is shown in a closed and unloaded state. End effector (1512) isconfigured for use with instruments (10, 310) and/or for robotic use asdescribed above. End effector (1512) comprises an upper jaw (1514) and alower jaw (1516). Upper jaw (1514) comprises a body (1517) and aplacement tip (1519). At its distal-most portion, placement tip (1519)comprises an end (1530). As shown, placement tip (1519) has a bent orangled configuration. At its proximal end, placement tip (1519)comprises a step (1591) such that body (1517) is offset from step (1591)of placement tip (1519). With the illustrated configuration, placementtip (1519) extends through first zone (Z1) and the location of end(1530) of placement tip (1519) is in third zone (Z3). In view of theteachings herein, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart that when end effector (1512) is in a closed and loaded state thatthe location of end (1530) of placement tip (1519) may deflect yetremain in third zone (Z3). However, it will also be apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein that placementtip (1519) may deflect such that end (1530) of placement tip (1519)changes its location in the closed and loaded state to another one ofthe zones.

As shown in FIG. 22G, end effector (1512) defines a fourth referenceplane (P4) based on the offset of body (1517) from step (1591) ofplacement tip (1519). Also, placement tip (1519) comprises an undersidesurface (1522) that matches the profile of top surface (1528) and deck(1572) of lower jaw (1516). Placement tip (1519) defines pivot point(1524) where underside surface (1522) transitions from matching theprofile of top surface (1528) of lower jaw (1516) to matching deck(1572) of lower jaw (1516). As shown in the illustrated version, endeffector (1512) defines a first distance (D1) as extending from pivotpoint (1524) proximally to the proximal-most end of step (1591). Firstdistance (D1) can be consider as representing the length of placementtip (1519) that overlaps deck (1572) of lower jaw (1516). In view of theteaching herein, various ways to modify or alter end effector (1512) andfirst distance (D1) to achieve greater or smaller overlaps of placementtip (1519) and deck (1572) will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art.

The above paragraphs describe a reference system where various referenceplanes are used to define zones relative to an end effector.Specifically the various reference planes are relative to an endeffector's lower jaw's deck, distal-most end, and bottom surface. Thisreference system is applicable to other versions of end effectors shownand described herein, other than those described above in FIGS. 22A-22G.For example, it is clear from FIG. 17 that end effector (512) comprisesplacement tip (519) that presents its distal-most end in third zone(Z3). Similarly, FIG. 18 illustrates that end effector (612) comprisesplacement tip (619) that presents its distal-most end also in third zone(Z3). With respect to end effectors (512, 612) and FIGS. 17 and 18, bothend effectors (512, 612) are shown in closed and unloaded states.Referring to FIG. 19, end effector (612) is shown in a closed and loadedstate. As illustrated, with end effector (612) in a closed and loadedstate, placement tip (619) deflects such that the distal-most end ofplacement tip (619) is located mostly in second zone (Z2) with a smallerportion located in fourth zone (Z4). In view of the teachings herein,various ways to configure an end effector to locate an end of aplacement tip in a desired position under various conditions, i.e.open/closed and loaded/unloaded, will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art.

D. Exemplary Shapes for Elastically Deformable Placement Tips

As described above, placement tips for end effectors can have a bent orangled configuration as well as a curved configuration. This is shown inthe several side views of FIGS. 22A-22G for instance. In combinationwith these various options for placement tips of an end effector,further options for the shape of the placement tip exist. As will bedescribed below, placement tips can be configured with various distalend profiles, width profiles, and underside surface geometries. Itshould be understood that the various shapes described below related todistal end profile, width profile, and underside surface geometry can becombined in a single placement tip. For instance any of the distal endprofiles shown and described can be used in a placement tip having anyof the width profiles shown and described, and further such a placementtip can have any of the underside surface geometries shown anddescribed.

1. Distal End Profiles

FIGS. 23A-23F depict exemplary enlarged placement tip portions that showvarious distal end profiles for the placement tip. Referring to FIG.23A, an end effector comprises a placement tip (1619). As shown in thetop view of FIG. 23A, placement tip (1619) comprises a distal end (1630)having a round profile. Placement tip (1619) is configurable such thatit may be positioned on either an upper jaw or lower jaw of the endeffector. Furthermore, placement tip (1619) is configurable such that itmay be part of an anvil or part of a staple cartridge. In view of theteachings herein, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart that this round distal end profile of placement tip (1619) can beused with any of the placement tips of the end effectors describedherein.

FIG. 23B depicts an end effector comprising a placement tip (1719). Asshown in the top view of FIG. 23B, placement tip (1719) comprises adistal end (1730) having an angled and pointed profile. In this example,because placement tip (1719) is comprises of an elastomeric anddeflectable material, placement tip (1719) is still configured as anatraumatic tip despite its pointed profile. Placement tip (119) isconfigurable such that it may be positioned on either an upper jaw orlower jaw of the end effector. Furthermore, placement tip (119) isconfigurable such that it may be part of an anvil or part of a staplecartridge. In view of the teachings herein, it will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art that this angled and pointed distal endprofile of placement tip (119) can be used with any of the placementtips of the end effectors described herein.

FIG. 23C depicts an end effector comprising a placement tip (1819). Asshown in the top view of FIG. 23C, placement tip (1819) comprises adistal end (1830) having a toothed profile. Placement tip (1819) isconfigurable such that it may be positioned on either an upper jaw orlower jaw of the end effector. Furthermore, placement tip (1819) isconfigurable such that it may be part of an anvil or part of a staplecartridge. In view of the teachings herein, it will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art that this toothed distal end profile ofplacement tip (1819) can be used with any of the placement tips of theend effectors described herein.

FIG. 23D depicts an end effector comprising a placement tip (1919). Asshown in the top view of FIG. 23D, placement tip (1919) comprises adistal end (1930) having a flared profile. Placement tip (1919) isconfigurable such that it may be positioned on either an upper jaw orlower jaw of the end effector. Furthermore, placement tip (1919) isconfigurable such that it may be part of an anvil or part of a staplecartridge. In view of the teachings herein, it will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art that this flared distal end profile ofplacement tip (1919) can be used with any of the placement tips of theend effectors described herein.

FIG. 23E depicts an end effector comprising a placement tip (2019). Asshown in the top view of FIG. 23E, placement tip (2019) comprises adistal end (2030) having a orb profile. Placement tip (2019) isconfigurable such that it may be positioned on either an upper jaw orlower jaw of the end effector. Furthermore, placement tip (2019) isconfigurable such that it may be part of an anvil or part of a staplecartridge. In view of the teachings herein, it will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art that this orb distal end profile ofplacement tip (2019) can be used with any of the placement tips of theend effectors described herein.

FIG. 23F depicts an end effector comprising a placement tip (2119). Asshown in the top view of FIG. 23F, placement tip (2119) comprises adistal end (2130) having a asymmetric profile. In this manner, end(2130) extends distally longer on one side than the other such that end(2130) is angled. Placement tip (2119) is configurable such that it maybe positioned on either an upper jaw or lower jaw of the end effector.Furthermore, placement tip (2119) is configurable such that it may bepart of an anvil or part of a staple cartridge. In view of the teachingsherein, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art thatthis asymmetric distal end profile of placement tip (2119) can be usedwith any of the placement tips of the end effectors described herein.While several distal end profiles for placement tips of an end effectorhave been shown and described above, other distal end profiles forplacement tips of an end effector will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

2. Width Profiles

FIGS. 24A-24E depict exemplary enlarged placement tip portions that showvarious width profiles for the placement tip. Referring to FIG. 24A, anend effector comprises a placement tip (2219). As shown in the top viewof FIG. 24A, placement tip (2219) comprises distal sides (2229) leadingto distal end (2230) where distal sides (2229) define a width profilethat is angled. Placement tip (2219) is configurable such that it may bepositioned on either an upper jaw or lower jaw of the end effector.Furthermore, placement tip (2219) is configurable such that it may bepart of an anvil or part of a staple cartridge. In view of the teachingsherein, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art thatthis angled width profile of placement tip (2219) can be used with anyof the placement tips of the end effectors described herein.

FIG. 24B depicts an end effector comprising a placement tip (2319). Asshown in the top view of FIG. 24B, placement tip (2319) comprises distalsides (2329) leading to distal end (2330) where distal sides (2329)define a width profile that is stepped. Placement tip (2319) isconfigurable such that it may be positioned on either an upper jaw orlower jaw of the end effector. Furthermore, placement tip (2319) isconfigurable such that it may be part of an anvil or part of a staplecartridge. In view of the teachings herein, it will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art that this stepped width profile ofplacement tip (2319) can be used with any of the placement tips of theend effectors described herein.

FIG. 24C depicts an end effector comprising a placement tip (2419). Asshown in the top view of FIG. 24C, placement tip (2419) comprises distalsides (2429) leading to distal end (2430) where distal sides (2429)define a width profile that is asymmetric such that distal sides (2429)are not symmetrically oriented, and in this instance are angled tovarying degrees. Placement tip (2419) is configurable such that it maybe positioned on either an upper jaw or lower jaw of the end effector.Furthermore, placement tip (2419) is configurable such that it may bepart of an anvil or part of a staple cartridge. In view of the teachingsherein, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art thatthis asymmetric width profile of placement tip (2419) can be used withany of the placement tips of the end effectors described herein.

FIG. 24D depicts an end effector comprising a placement tip (2519). Asshown in the top view of FIG. 24D, placement tip (2519) comprises distalsides (2529) leading to distal end (2530) where distal sides (2529)define a width profile that is scalloped with distal end (2530) centeredalong the longitudinal axis of placement tip (2519). In this manner, oneof distal sides (2529) has a curvature that is concave while the otherhas a curvature that is convex. Placement tip (2519) is configurablesuch that it may be positioned on either an upper jaw or lower jaw ofthe end effector. Furthermore, placement tip (2519) is configurable suchthat it may be part of an anvil or part of a staple cartridge. In viewof the teachings herein, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art that this scalloped width profile of placement tip (2519) canbe used with any of the placement tips of the end effectors describedherein.

FIG. 24E depicts an end effector comprising a placement tip (2619). Asshown in the top view of FIG. 24E, placement tip (2619) comprises distalsides (2629) leading to distal end (2630) where distal sides (2629)define a width profile having bump-outs or lateral protrusions (2631) oneach side. In the illustrated version, a jaw (2616) of end effectoropposite placement tip (2619) is shown in phantom. As shown in thepresent example, the bump-outs (2631) extend outward from jaw (2616),whereas the remaining width of placement tip (2619) is narrower than thewidth of jaw (2616). However, bump-outs (2631) are not required toextend out from the width of jaw (2616) in all versions. Where bump-outs(2631) do extend outward from jaw (2616), placement tip (2619) isconfigured to provide resistance when moving the instrument with the endeffector and placement tip (2619) in and out of a site. Additionally,bump-outs (2631) are configured to dilate an aperture larger whenplacement tip (2619) passes therethrough. Placement tip (2619) isconfigurable such that it may be positioned on either an upper jaw orlower jaw of the end effector. Furthermore, placement tip (2619) isconfigurable such that it may be part of an anvil or part of a staplecartridge. In view of the teachings herein, it will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art that this width profile of placement tip(2619) having bump-outs (2631) on each side can be used with any of theplacement tips of the end effectors described herein.

FIG. 25 depicts an enlarged top view of a placement tip (2719) of an endeffector, with the placement tip (2719) having a distal end (2730) withan angled and pointed profile and with the placement tip (2719) havingdistal sides (2729) defining a width profile that angled. As describedabove, placement tip (2719) illustrates a combination of the angled andpointed distal end profile of placement tip (1719) of FIG. 23B, with theangled width profile of placement tip (2219) of FIG. 24A. In view of theteachings herein, and as further illustrated by this example, variouscombinations of distal end profiles and width profiles will be apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art.

Placement tip (2719) further illustrates the relationship between theprofile at distal end (2730) compared to the width profile defined bydistal sides (2729). As described above with respect to other examples,placement tips extend from a body of one of an upper jaw or lower jaw ofan end effector. In the present example, placement tip (2719) isunderstood to have a shorter longitudinal dimension, or length, than thebody of the jaw from which it extends. As shown in the illustratedversion, placement tip (2719) can be understood to have a lengthcharacterized by the sum of a first length (L1) and a second length(L2). Although not shown to scale based on the wavy break linesignifying that placement tip (2719) extends proximally further thanshown, it should be understood that first length (L1) is substantiallygreater than second length (L2). When showing and describing the variousdistal end profiles and width profiles of placement tips above in FIGS.23A-23F and 24A-24E, it should be understood that the distal endprofiles as well as the width profiles defined by the distal sides areall included in the length of the placement tips that coincide withsecond length (L2).

Placement tip (2719) further illustrates an example where a planedefined by one of symmetrical distal sides (2729) in combination withanother plane defined by one of a proximal sides (2733), form an angle(β1). In this example, as the width profile defined by distal sides(2729) becomes more angular or steeper, angle (β1) increases. When thewidth profile defined by distal sides (2729) becomes less angular, andhence closer to parallel with proximal sides (2733), angle (β1)decreases.

Placement tip (2719) also illustrates an example where a plane definedtangent to the distal-most portion of distal end (2730) in combinationwith a plane defined by one of sides (2735) of distal end (2730), formsan angle (β2). In this example, as the sides (2735) of distal end (2730)become more angular or steeper, angle (β2) increases. When the sides(2735) of distal end (2730) becomes less angular, and hence distal end(2730) more blunt, angle (β2) decreases.

3. Underside Surfaces

Now referring to the side views of FIGS. 26A-26E, various geometries forunderside surfaces of placement tips are shown and described. In someinstances underside surfaces of placement tips may be referred to asinner surfaces, and these terms should be understood to beinterchangeable. FIG. 26A depicts end effector (2812) comprising upperjaw (2814) and lower jaw (2816). Upper jaw (2814) comprises body (2817)and placement tip (2819) extending distally from body (2817). Placementtip (2819) has a bent or angled configuration and comprises an undersidesurface (2822) that is flat. In this example, underside surface (2822)is also parallel with a top surface (2828) on nose portion (2826) oflower jaw (2816). In this manner, when end effector (2812) is closed andunloaded, underside surface (2822) can contact top surface (2828).

FIG. 26B depicts end effector (2912) comprising upper jaw (2914) andlower jaw (2916). Upper jaw (2914) comprises body (2917) and placementtip (2919) extending distally from body (2917). Placement tip (2919) hasa curved configuration and comprises underside surface (2922) that iscurved. Furthermore, lower jaw (2916) comprises nose portion (2926) witha tapered top surface (2928). The curvature of underside surface (2922)in combination with the tapered top surface (2928) of nose portion(2926) provides placement tip (2919) with point contact when endeffector (2912) is closed and unloaded, as opposed to greater contactarea as with end effector (2812) shown and described above.

FIG. 26C depicts end effector (3012) comprising upper jaw (3014) andlower jaw (3016). Upper jaw (3014) comprises body (3017) and placementtip (3019) extending distally from body (3017). Placement tip (3019) hasa straight configuration and comprises an underside surface (3022) thatis straight. Placement tip (3019) is configured as elasticallydeformable as described above. In this manner, underside surface (3022)of placement tip (3019) extends along the same plane as an undersidesurface (3020) of body (3017) of upper jaw (3014). Furthermore, lowerjaw (3016) comprises nose portion (3026) with a tapered top surface(3028). The straight configuration of underside surface (3022), incombination with the tapered top surface (3028) of nose portion (3026),eliminates placement tip (3019) contact with tapered top surface (3028)when end effector (3012) is closed and unloaded.

FIG. 26D depicts end effector (3112) comprising upper jaw (3114) andlower jaw (3116). Upper jaw (3114) comprises body (3117) and placementtip (3119) extending distally from body (3117). Placement tip (3119) hasa curved configuration and comprises an underside surface (3122) that ismulti-angled. Placement tip (3119) is configured as elasticallydeformable as described above. Furthermore, lower jaw (3116) comprisesnose portion (3126) with a tapered top surface (3128). The multi-anglednature of underside surface (3122) in combination with the tapered topsurface (3128) of nose portion (3126) provides placement tip (3119) withpoint contact when end effector (3112) is closed and unloaded, asopposed to greater contact area as with end effector (3112) shown anddescribed above.

FIG. 26E depicts end effector (3212) comprising upper jaw (3214) havingdual positions and lower jaw (3216). Upper jaw (3214) comprises body(3217) and placement tip (3219) extending distally from body (3217).Placement tip (3219) has a bent or angled configuration when endeffector (3212) is open and unloaded as shown in phantom in FIG. 26E.Placement tip (3219) comprises an underside surface (3222) that includesa curved protrusion (3231). Placement tip (3219) is configured aselastically deformable as described above. Furthermore, lower jaw (3216)comprises nose portion (3226) with a tapered top surface (3228) as wellas deck (3272). The curved protrusion (3231) of underside surface (3222)of placement tip (3219) is configured to act as a pivot structure suchthat placement tip (3219) pivots from its bent or angled orientationshown in phantom to a straight, or at least less bent or angled,orientation in response to curved protrusion (3231) contacting astructure such as deck (3272) when end effector (3212) is closed andwithout tissue between jaws (3214, 3216), or tissue when end effector(3212) is closed and loaded with tissue between jaws (3214, 3216).

E. Exemplary Gaps

The various end effectors described herein provide visualization andguidance features as described above. Additionally, the ability of theplacement tips to deflect or elastically deform can provide benefits inuse during procedure where marching may be required or beneficial. Inaddition to the ability of the placement tips to elastically deform, thepresence or absence of a gap between the placement tip and the oppositejaw's surface can impact visualization and marching. For instance, insome versions with little or no gap, the ability of the placement tip toelastically deform enables use of the end effector in marchingprocedures.

FIGS. 27A and 27B depict portions of end effectors that illustrateexemplary gaps and their configurations. FIG. 27A depicts an enlargedside view of a distal portion of an end effector (3312), showing a gap(3340) between a placement tip (3319) of an upper jaw (3314) and a noseportion (3326) of a lower jaw (3316). In the present example, endeffector (3312) is shown in a closed and unloaded state. Placement tip(3319) comprises underside surface (3322) that is generally parallelwith a top surface (3320) of nose portion (3326) of lower jaw (3316). Inthis manner, gap (3340) is generally of uniform size along undersidesurface (3322) of placement tip (3319) and top surface (3320) of noseportion (3326). With this configuration for gap (3340), and with theelastically deformable nature of placement tip (3319), end effector(3312) is configured for use in procedures where marching is desired.

FIG. 27B depicts an enlarged side view of a distal portion of an endeffector (3412), showing a gap (3440) between a distal end (3430) of aplacement tip (3419) of an upper jaw (3414) and a nose portion (3426) ofa lower jaw (3416). Placement tip (3419) is bent or angled and with endeffector (3412) closed and unloaded as shown, end (3430) contacts ornearly contacts a top surface (3420) of nose portion (3426) of lower jaw(3416). Thus in the present example, gap (3440) is either very small, orin the case where jaws (3414, 3416) touch, gap (3440) is absentaltogether. In versions where gap (3440) is present, as shown gap (3440)increases in size as gap (3440) extends proximally. With thisconfiguration, and with the elastically deformable nature of placementtip (3419), end effector (3412) is configured for use in procedureswhere marching is desired. In view of the teachings herein, other waysto configure end effectors with various gaps to aid in visualization,guidance, and marching will be apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art.

V. Exemplary Combinations

The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in whichthe teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understoodthat the following examples are not intended to restrict the coverage ofany claims that may be presented at any time in this application or insubsequent filings of this application. No disclaimer is intended. Thefollowing examples are being provided for nothing more than merelyillustrative purposes. It is contemplated that the various teachingsherein may be arranged and applied in numerous other ways. It is alsocontemplated that some variations may omit certain features referred toin the below examples. Therefore, none of the aspects or featuresreferred to below should be deemed critical unless otherwise explicitlyindicated as such at a later date by the inventors or by a successor ininterest to the inventors. If any claims are presented in thisapplication or in subsequent filings related to this application thatinclude additional features beyond those referred to below, thoseadditional features shall not be presumed to have been added for anyreason relating to patentability.

EXAMPLE 1

An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft extending from the body, whereinthe shaft defines a longitudinal axis, and an end effector incommunication with the shaft, wherein the end effector is operable tocompress, staple, and cut tissue. The end effector comprises a pair ofjaws, wherein at least one of the jaws is operable to move relative tothe other jaw between an open position and a closed position, acartridge configured to hold one or more staples, wherein the cartridgeselectively connects with a first jaw of the pair of jaws, an anvilconfigured to be contacted by the one or more staples of the cartridge,wherein a second jaw of the pair of jaws comprises the anvil, and aplacement tip that is elastically deformable. The placement tip extendsdistally from a select one of the pair of jaws, wherein the placementtip defines a first angle with respect to an axis of the select one ofthe jaws from which the placement tip extends when the end effector isin the open position, and a second angle with respect the axis of theselect one of the jaws from which the placement tip extends when the endeffector is in a closed position. The second angle differs from thefirst angle.

EXAMPLE 2

The apparatus of Example 1, wherein the placement tip extends distallyfrom the anvil.

EXAMPLE 3

The apparatus of any one or more of Examples 1 through 2, wherein thesecond jaw comprising the anvil is movable relative to the first jaw.

EXAMPLE 4

The apparatus of any one or more of Examples 1 through 3, wherein theplacement tip comprises a shape selected from the group comprisingstraight, curved, bent, angled, and combinations thereof.

EXAMPLE 5

The apparatus of any one or more of Examples 1 through 4, wherein theplacement tip is configured such that deformation of the placement tipwhen the end effector is in the closed position causes an increase inthe second angle relative to the first angle.

EXAMPLE 6

The apparatus of any one or more of Examples 1 through 5, wherein theplacement tip is configured such that deformation of the placement tipis caused by a clamping force applied to the placement tip when the endeffector is in the closed position.

EXAMPLE 7

The apparatus of any one or more of Examples 1 through 6, wherein theplacement tip is configured such that the placement tip contacts aportion of the jaw opposite to the select one of the jaws from which theplacement tip extends in response to a clamping force.

EXAMPLE 8

The apparatus of any one or more of Examples 1 through 7, wherein theplacement tip is configured such that the placement tip contacts tissuecaptured between

EXAMPLE 9

The apparatus of any one or more of Examples 1 through 8, wherein theplacement tip comprises a distal end having a profile selected from thegroup comprising round, angled and pointed, toothed, flared, orb,asymmetric, and combinations thereof.

EXAMPLE 10

The apparatus of any one or more of Examples 1 through 9, wherein theplacement tip comprises distal sides defining a width profile selectedfrom the group comprising angled, stepped, asymmetric, scalloped,bump-out, and combinations thereof.

EXAMPLE 11

The apparatus of example 10, wherein the placement tip comprises adistal end having a profile selected from the group comprising round,angled and pointed, toothed, flared, orb, asymmetric, and combinationsthereof.

EXAMPLE 12

The apparatus of any one or more of Examples 1 through 11, wherein theplacement tip comprises a multi-angled underside surface.

EXAMPLE 13

The apparatus of any one or more of Examples 1 through 12, wherein theplacement tip comprises an underside surface having a curved protrusionoperably configured to move the placement tip from a first bent orangled position to a second straight or less bent or angled position inresponse to a clamping force applied to the placement tip.

EXAMPLE 14

The apparatus of any one or more of Examples 1 through 13, wherein theplacement tip comprises a distal end, wherein the distal end of theplacement tip moves distally in response to a clamping force applied tothe placement tip.

EXAMPLE 15

The apparatus of any one or more of Examples 1 through 14, wherein thedistal end of the placement tip moves away from the jaw opposite to theselect one of the jaws from which the placement tip extends in responseto the clamping force applied to the placement tip.

EXAMPLE 16

An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft extending from the body, whereinthe placement tip is configured such that the shaft defines alongitudinal axis, and an end effector in communication with the shaft,wherein the end effector is operable to compress, staple, and cuttissue. The end effector comprises a pair of jaws, wherein at least oneof the jaws is operable to move relative to the other jaw between anopen position and a closed position, a cartridge configured to hold oneor more staples, wherein the cartridge selectively connects with a firstjaw of the pair of jaws, an anvil configured to be contacted by the oneor more staples of the cartridge, wherein a second jaw of the pair ofjaws comprises the anvil, and a placement tip that is elasticallydeformable. The placement tip extends distally from a select one of thepair of jaws, wherein the placement tip defines a first angle withrespect to a surface of a portion of the jaw opposite to the select oneof the jaws from which the placement tip extends when the placement tipis in a first undeflected state, and a second angle with respect to thesurface of the portion of the jaw opposite to the select one of the jawsfrom which the placement tip extends when the placement tip is in asecond deflected state. The second angle differs from the first angle.

EXAMPLE 17

The apparatus of Example 16, wherein the surface of the portion of thejaw opposite to the select one of the jaws from which the placement tipextends comprises a top surface of a nose portion of the cartridge,wherein the top surface is tapered.

EXAMPLE 18

An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft extending from the body, whereinthe shaft defines a longitudinal axis; an end effector in communicationwith the shaft, wherein the end effector is operable to compress,staple, and cut tissue. The end effector comprises a pair of jaws,wherein at least one of the jaws is operable to move relative to theother jaw between an open position and a closed position, a cartridgeconfigured to hold one or more staples, wherein the cartridgeselectively connects with a first jaw of the pair of jaws, an anvilconfigured to be contacted by the one or more staples of the cartridge,wherein a second jaw of the pair of jaws comprises the anvil, and aplacement tip that is elastically deformable. The placement tip extendsdistally from a select one of the pair of jaws, wherein the placementtip comprises a distal end, wherein the placement tip is configured totransition from a first undeflected state to a second deflected statewhen the end effector is in the closed position and loaded. When theplacement tip is in the first undeflected state the distal end of theplacement tip is located proximal to a distal-most end of the jawopposite to the select one of the jaws from which the placement tipextends, and when the placement tip is in the second deflected state thedistal end of the placement tip is located distal to the distal-most endof the jaw opposite to the select one of the jaws from which theplacement tip extends.

EXAMPLE 19

The apparatus of Example 18, wherein the end effector defines aplurality of zones based on (a) a first plane defined by the distal-mostend of the jaw opposite to the select one of the jaws from which theplacement tip extends, (b) a second plane defined by a deck of the jawopposite to the select one of the jaws from which the placement tipextends, wherein the first and second planes are orthogonal to eachother, and (c) a third plane defined by a bottom surface of the jawopposite to the select one of the jaws from which the placement tipextends, wherein the third and first plane are orthogonal to each other.

EXAMPLE 20

The apparatus of Example 19, wherein the distal end of the placement tipis configured to move from one zone of the plurality of zones when theplacement tip is in the first undeflected state to another zone of theplurality of zones when the placement tip is in the second deflectedstate.

VI. Miscellaneous

It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings,expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may becombined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions,embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. Theabove-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc.should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other.Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined willbe readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of theteachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to beincluded within the scope of the claims.

It should also be understood that the teachings herein may be readilycombined with various teachings in U.S. patent application Ser. No.29/594,332, entitled “Surgical Stapler End Effector with Varying DeckHeight and Tissue Gripping Features,” filed Feb. 17, 2017, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Varioussuitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined with theteachings of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/594,332, will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

It should also be understood that the teachings herein may be readilycombined with various teachings in U.S. patent application Ser. No.29/594,335, entitled “Circular Surgical Stapler End Effector withVarying Deck Height and Tissue Gripping Features,” filed Feb. 17, 2017,the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Varioussuitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined with theteachings of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/594,335 will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

It should also be understood that the teachings herein may be readilycombined with various teachings in U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/435,607, entitled “Surgical Stapler with Insertable Distal AnvilTip,” filed Feb. 17, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein. Various suitable ways in which the teachings hereinmay be combined with the teachings of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/435,607 will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

It should also be understood that the teachings herein may be readilycombined with various teachings in U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/435,618, entitled “Surgical Stapler with Cooperating Distal TipFeatures on Anvil and Staple Cartridge,” filed Feb. 17, 2017, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Varioussuitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined with theteachings of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/435,618, will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

It should also be understood that the teachings herein may be readilycombined with various teachings in U.S. patent application Ser. No.29/594,340, entitled “Surgical Stapler with Bent Anvil Tip and AngledStaple Cartridge Tip,” filed Feb. 17, 2017, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein. Various suitable ways in which theteachings herein may be combined with the teachings of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 29/594,340, will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art.

It should also be understood that the teachings herein may be readilycombined with various teachings in U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/435,631, entitled “Surgical Stapler with Bent Anvil Tip, AngledStaple Cartridge Tip, and Tissue Gripping Features,” filed Feb. 17,2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined withthe teachings of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/435,631, will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

It should also be understood that the teachings herein may be readilycombined with various teachings in U.S. Patent App. No. [ATTORNEY DOCKETNO. END8115USCIP2.0659204], entitled “Surgical Stapling End Effector Jawwith Tip Deflecting Toward Other Jaw,” filed on even date herewith, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Varioussuitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined with theteachings of U.S. Patent App. No. [ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.END8115USCIP2.0659204] will be apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art.

It should also be understood that the teachings herein may be readilycombined with various teachings in U.S. Patent App. No. [ATTORNEY DOCKETNO. END8115USCIP3.0659198], entitled “Method of Surgical Stapling withEnd Effector Component Having a Curved Tip,” filed on even dateherewith, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined withthe teachings of U.S. Patent App. No. [ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.END8115USCIP3.0659198] will be apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art.

It should also be understood that the teachings herein may be readilycombined with various teachings in U.S. Patent App. No. [ATTORNEY DOCKETNO. END8578USNP.0658213], entitled “Permanent Attachment Means forCurved Tip of Component of Surgical Stapling Instrument,” filed on evendate herewith, the disclosure of which is incorporated by referenceherein. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may becombined with the teachings of U.S. Patent App. No. [ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.END8578USNP.0658213] will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart.

It should be appreciated that any patent, publication, or otherdisclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to beincorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to theextent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existingdefinitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in thisdisclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure asexplicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting materialincorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, thatis said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts withexisting definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forthherein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arisesbetween that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

Versions of the devices described above may have application inconventional medical treatments and procedures conducted by a medicalprofessional, as well as application in robotic-assisted medicaltreatments and procedures. By way of example only, various teachingsherein may be readily incorporated into a robotic surgical system suchas the DAVINCI™ system by Intuitive Surgical, Inc., of Sunnyvale, Calif.Similarly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatvarious teachings herein may be readily combined with various teachingsof any of the following: U.S. Pat. No. 5,792,135, entitled “ArticulatedSurgical Instrument For Performing Minimally Invasive Surgery WithEnhanced Dexterity and Sensitivity,” issued Aug. 11, 1998, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No.5,817,084, entitled “Remote Center Positioning Device with FlexibleDrive,” issued Oct. 6, 1998, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,193, entitled “Automated EndoscopeSystem for Optimal Positioning,” issued Mar. 2, 1999, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,565,entitled “Robotic Arm DLUS for Performing Surgical Tasks,” issued May15, 2001, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein;U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,524, entitled “Robotic Surgical Tool with UltrasoundCauterizing and Cutting Instrument,” issued Aug. 31, 2004, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No.6,364,888, entitled “Alignment of Master and Slave in a MinimallyInvasive Surgical Apparatus,” issued Apr. 2, 2002, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 7,524,320,entitled “Mechanical Actuator Interface System for Robotic SurgicalTools,” issued Apr. 28, 2009, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 7,691,098, entitled “Platform Link WristMechanism,” issued Apr. 6, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporatedby reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 7,806,891, entitled “Repositioningand Reorientation of Master/Slave Relationship in Minimally InvasiveTelesurgery,” issued Oct. 5, 2010, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 8,844,789, entitled“Automated End Effector Component Reloading System for Use with aRobotic System, issued Sep. 30, 2014, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 8,820,605, entitled“Robotically-Controlled Surgical Instrument with Force-FeedbackCapabilities,” issued Sep. 2, 2014, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 8,616,431, entitled“Shiftable Drive Interface for Robotically-Controlled Surgical Tool,”issued Dec. 31, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 8,573,461, entitled “Surgical StaplingInstruments with Cam-Driven Staple Deployment Arrangements,” issued Nov.5, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein;U.S. Pat. No. 8,602,288, entitled “Robotically-Controlled MotorizedSurgical End Effector System with Rotary Actuated Closure Systems HavingVariable Actuation Speeds,” issued Dec. 10, 2013, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 9,301,759,entitled “Robotically-Controlled Surgical Instrument with SelectivelyArticulatable End Effector,” issued Apr. 5, 2016, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 8,783,541,entitled “Robotically-Controlled Surgical End Effector System,” issuedJul. 22, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated by referenceherein; U.S. Pat. No. 8,479,969, entitled “Drive Interface for OperablyCoupling a Manipulatable Surgical Tool to a Robot,” issued Jul. 9, 2013;U.S. Pat. No. 8,800,838, entitled “Robotically-Controlled Cable-BasedSurgical End Effectors,” issued Aug. 12, 2014, the disclosure of whichis incorporated by reference herein; and/or U.S. Pat. No. 8,573,465,entitled “Robotically-Controlled Surgical End Effector System withRotary Actuated Closure Systems,” issued Nov. 5, 2013, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein.

Versions of the devices described above may be designed to be disposedof after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multipletimes. Versions may, in either or both cases, be reconditioned for reuseafter at least one use. Reconditioning may include any combination ofthe steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning orreplacement of particular pieces, and subsequent reassembly. Inparticular, some versions of the device may be disassembled, and anynumber of the particular pieces or parts of the device may beselectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and/orreplacement of particular parts, some versions of the device may bereassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, orby a user immediately prior to a procedure. Those skilled in the artwill appreciate that reconditioning of a device may utilize a variety oftechniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use ofsuch techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all withinthe scope of the present application.

By way of example only, versions described herein may be sterilizedbefore and/or after a procedure. In one sterilization technique, thedevice is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic orTYVEK bag. The container and device may then be placed in a field ofradiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation,x-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on thedevice and in the container. The sterilized device may then be stored inthe sterile container for later use. A device may also be sterilizedusing any other technique known in the art, including but not limited tobeta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or steam.

Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention,further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may beaccomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill inthe art without departing from the scope of the present invention.Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and otherswill be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, theexamples, embodiments, geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps,and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required.Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered interms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to thedetails of structure and operation shown and described in thespecification and drawings.

I/We claim:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: (a) a body; (b) a shaftextending from the body, wherein the shaft defines a longitudinal axis;and (c) an end effector in communication with the shaft, wherein the endeffector is operable to compress, staple, and cut tissue, wherein theend effector comprises: (i) a pair of jaws, wherein at least one of thejaws is operable to move relative to the other jaw between an openposition and a closed position, (ii) a cartridge configured to hold oneor more staples, wherein the cartridge selectively connects with a firstjaw of the pair of jaws, (ii) an anvil configured to be contacted by theone or more staples of the cartridge, wherein a second jaw of the pairof jaws comprises the anvil, and (iii) a placement tip that iselastically deformable, wherein the placement tip extends distally froma select one of the pair of jaws, wherein the placement tip defines afirst angle with respect to an axis of the select one of the jaws fromwhich the placement tip extends when the end effector is in the openposition, and a second angle with respect the axis of the select one ofthe jaws from which the placement tip extends when the end effector isin a closed position, wherein the second angle differs from the firstangle.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the placement tip extendsdistally from the anvil.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the secondjaw comprising the anvil is movable relative to the first jaw.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the placement tip comprises a shapeselected from the group comprising straight, curved, bent, angled, andcombinations thereof.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the placementtip is configured such that deformation of the placement tip when theend effector is in the closed position causes an increase in the secondangle relative to the first angle.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, whereinthe placement tip is configured such that the deformation of theplacement tip is caused by a clamping force applied to the placement tipwhen the end effector is in the closed position.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein the placement tip is configured such that the placementtip contacts a portion of the jaw opposite to the select one of the jawsfrom which the placement tip extends in response to the clamping force.8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the placement tip is configuredsuch that the placement tip contacts tissue captured between the pair ofjaws of the end effector in response to the clamping force.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the placement tip comprises a distal endhaving a profile selected from the group comprising round, angled andpointed, toothed, flared, orb, asymmetric, and combinations thereof. 10.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the placement tip comprises distalsides defining a width profile selected from the group comprisingangled, stepped, asymmetric, scalloped, bump-out, and combinationsthereof.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the placement tipcomprises a distal end having a profile selected from the groupcomprising round, angled and pointed, toothed, flared, orb, asymmetric,and combinations thereof.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theplacement tip comprises a multi-angled underside surface.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the placement tip comprises an undersidesurface having a curved protrusion operably configured to move theplacement tip from a first bent or angled position to a second straightor less bent or angled position in response to a clamping force appliedto the placement tip.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theplacement tip comprises a distal end, wherein the distal end of theplacement tip moves distally in response to a clamping force applied tothe placement tip.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the placementtip is configured such that the distal end of the placement tip furthermoves away from the jaw opposite to the select one of the jaws fromwhich the placement tip extends in response to the clamping forceapplied to the placement tip.
 16. An apparatus, comprising: (a) a body;(b) a shaft extending from the body, wherein the shaft defines alongitudinal axis; and (c) an end effector in communication with theshaft, wherein the end effector is operable to compress, staple, and cuttissue, wherein the end effector comprises: (i) a pair of jaws, whereinat least one of the jaws is operable to move relative to the other jawbetween an open position and a closed position, (ii) a cartridgeconfigured to hold one or more staples, wherein the cartridgeselectively connects with a first jaw of the pair of jaws, (ii) an anvilconfigured to be contacted by the one or more staples of the cartridge,wherein a second jaw of the pair of jaws comprises the anvil, and (iii)a placement tip that is elastically deformable, wherein the placementtip extends distally from a select one of the pair of jaws, wherein theplacement tip defines a first angle with respect to a surface of aportion of the jaw opposite to the select one of the jaws from which theplacement tip extends when the placement tip is in a first undeflectedstate, and a second angle with respect to the surface of the portion ofthe jaw opposite to the select one of the jaws from which the placementtip extends when the placement tip is in a second deflected state,wherein the second angle differs from the first angle.
 17. The apparatusof claim 16, wherein the surface of the portion of the jaw opposite tothe select one of the jaws from which the placement tip extendscomprises a top surface of a nose portion of the cartridge, wherein thetop surface is tapered.
 18. An apparatus, comprising: (a) a body; (b) ashaft extending from the body, wherein the shaft defines a longitudinalaxis; and (c) an end effector in communication with the shaft, whereinthe end effector is operable to compress, staple, and cut tissue,wherein the end effector comprises: (i) a pair of jaws, wherein at leastone of the jaws is operable to move relative to the other jaw between anopen position and a closed position, (ii) a cartridge configured to holdone or more staples, wherein the cartridge selectively connects with afirst jaw of the pair of jaws, (ii) an anvil configured to be contactedby the one or more staples of the cartridge, wherein a second jaw of thepair of jaws comprises the anvil, and (iii) a placement tip that iselastically deformable, wherein the placement tip extends distally froma select one of the pair of jaws, wherein the placement tip comprises adistal end, wherein the placement tip is configured to transition from afirst undeflected state to a second deflected state when the endeffector is in the closed position and loaded, wherein when theplacement tip is in the first undeflected state the distal end of theplacement tip is located proximal to a distal-most end of the jawopposite to the select one of the jaws from which the placement tipextends, and wherein when the placement tip is in the second deflectedstate the distal end of the placement tip is located distal to thedistal-most end of the jaw opposite to the select one of the jaws fromwhich the placement tip extends.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, whereinthe end effector defines a plurality of zones based on (a) a first planedefined by the distal-most end of the jaw opposite to the select one ofthe jaws from which the placement tip extends, (b) a second planedefined by a deck of the jaw opposite to the select one of the jaws fromwhich the placement tip extends, wherein the first and second planes areorthogonal to each other, and (c) a third plane defined by a bottomsurface of the jaw opposite to the select one of the jaws from which theplacement tip extends, wherein the third and first plane are orthogonalto each other.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the distal end ofthe placement tip is configured to move from one zone of the pluralityof zones when the placement tip is in the first undeflected state toanother zone of the plurality of zones when the placement tip is in thesecond deflected state.